Three Men to Kill

Three Men to Kill is a 1980 French action thriller directed by the talented Jacques Deray, best known for his crime and thriller movies. The film features a standout performance from the renowned Alain Delon, the actor whose enigmatic presence defined and refined French cinema during the mid-20th century. Supporting Delon is the mesmerizing Dalila Di Lazzaro and accomplished actor Michel Auclair.

The plot of Three Men to Kill is full of unexpected turns, suspense, action, and intrigue keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Alain Delon brings to life the character of Michel Gerfaut, an ex-military man turned professional gambler. Gerfaut is a man who finds himself thrust into an extraordinary situation that threatens his life and forces him to rediscover his old survival instincts.

The film starts with the unsuspecting Gerfaut coming across a car accident late one night. He finds an injured man and does his civic duty by rushing him to the hospital. Unknown to him, the man he rescued is not just any ordinary person but is involved in a convoluted underworld scheme. This act of good Samaritan behavior unknowingly makes him a target, dragging him into a deadly game involving criminal factions and throwing his once carefree life into absolute turmoil.

A highlight of the movie is the intriguing interaction between Gerfaut and the unyieldingly persistent hitmen. The plan of these mysterious men takes a turbulent turn with the interference of Gerfaut, leading to a cat and mouse battle that adds a tensely captivating layer to the storyline. The relentless pursuit of Gerfaut becomes the anchoring point of the narrative, transforming the movie into an enthralling chase thriller that continually keeps the audience guessing.

No film would be complete without a romantic interest, and Dalila Di Lazzaro capably fills this role as Gerfaut's love interest. As the storyline takes its twists and turns, her involvement within the plot deepens, adding a very personal and emotional stake within the film that ties intricately into the central narrative.

The smart and gritty script brushes against the edges of film noir, layered with an intuitive understanding of crime and rough justice. The mundane aspects of Gerfaut's life give way to dangerous confrontations with hitmen, skewing his once peaceful existence towards a life on the run. Deray's direction tunnels through the story with precision, underlining the increasing ferocity of the hunter-prey game at the heart of this engaging film. The movie brilliantly portrays Gerfaut's strategical shrewdness and survival instincts as he evades the persistent hitmen.

Michel Auclair adds another dimension to the film with his stellar performance. The cast's collective effort, coupled with their on-screen chemistry, creates a haunting and lasting impression, making the movie a cinematic experience.

A major asset to the film is its captivating cinematography. Capturing the picturesque landscapes where this deadly game unfolds, it forms an arresting backdrop to the gripping narrative. The movie occasionally manoeuvres into quiet moments of reflection, offering a much-needed pause amidst the escalating tension.

Three Men to Kill is not just about the physical struggle for survival; it also delves into the psychological complexities of its central character, who is pushed into a corner where every decision is a matter of life and death. It explores the mental fortress of a man against all odds, escalating the stakes and the suspense.

The movie's appeal also lies in its thrilling action sequences, which are stylishly filmed retaining the raw stench of violence while also being deeply engaging. This, along with the gripping execution of the storyline, maintains the thrilling momentum from beginning to end.

With Three Men to Kill, Jacques Deray illustrates his expertise in transforming a straightforward survival story into a thrilling cinematic experience that is peppered with suspense, action, and moments of unexpected emotion. It's a movie that is sure to resonate with fans of stylish thrillers and those who appreciate the finer points of cinema, with stellar performances and a plot that keeps you engrossed right until the end.