What Makes La Haine a Captivating Masterpiece (Video Essay)

[@vince__2k]

My favorite aspect of the film is that the whole film is basically a loop. It starts with a riot/protests, then it begins with news coverage of someone dying due to police brutality, then it ends with someone else dying of police brutality, and it repeats over and over again.

[@lennartfrank02]

just like in real life...

[@maamyy]

The movie now hits different again…

[@vbeekbram1282]

This movie is more important than ever now, what’s happening in France rn is literally the plot and the message of the movie

[@antlerbraum2881]

It’s a great way to exemplify how that happens in real life, awesome film.

[@sondre7501]

Nice pfp. Peggy is amazing. Personally, veteran is my favorite of his

[@FitHitVids]

A small but fascinating detail. The movie begins with Said opening his eyes meaning he is deciding to open his eyes to the cruel world he lives in. However, the movie ends with Said closing his eyes, right before the trigger was pulled making it feel like he regrets opening his eyes in the first place. It is such a nice loop.

[@hanswurscht327]

this movie is utter libtard propaganda.

[@maxalmonte14]

It's fascinating 'cause while Vinz and Hubert were in opposite sides, Saïd was basically in the middle.

[@islalloydevans3717]

I'd say the Grunwalski story could also have been added to represent Hubert. The train is opportunities outside of the banlieue, a better life, no prison etc, and the trousers being pulled up are morals, sticking up for others, trying to fix the system etc. Every time he does one of these things, the train gets a little bit further away. The train leaves him for dead, seen when he eventually (possibly) avenges Vinz (due to his morals) - he is no doubt going back into prison, or dead... Such a good film!

[@MM-jc7uv]

I saw the story as a metaphor for the lower class in general. If they rebel/protest nothing changes, if they don’t then still nothing changes. No matter what the lower class is screwed and left in limbo until eventually they “freeze to death.”

[@jojorilu]

That's why this film is great, it leads to different perspectives within the scenes, plots and characters. This movie should be shown in every school to help youngsters start a debate about society and themselves.

[@Torbalannnn]

Did you notice that Said was always in the middle : between Hubert and Vinz and literally on the screen - always in the middle.

[@ThebatBrucewayne]

Yeah i actually noticed it and even at end said was in the middle

[@dylanjackson29]

For me, the best film of all time. I've never seen a more unique film with so much depth. Despite not having a real plot, it says so much in such little time, both in terms of society & psychology; all the while captivating the audience right up until the end (best ever film ending too). Also the plot is as symbolically close to life as can be; many random events ended suddenly then its over. It encapsulates the human experience and its realism makes it beautiful/ugly and the same time. La Haine is so present it's timeless, despite being a clear time-capsule of the 90s. Then even with greyscale footage, the cinematography is as stunning as you'll ever see, the audio is great (particularly with its soundtrack), and the ever-present ticking clock-escalating in both speed & frequency-I think displays the main thesis of this film: time is running out, soon enough we all land. It's just a shame I can never re-watch it for the first time again. Sorry to spew but this video reminded of the film 👍defo earned a sub

[@sonnyross1ter]

thanks great comment bro 🙏🏻

[@samuelvlaeminck9044]

This comment was so beautiful

[@malayncholy7543]

Well written!

[@mml1426]

So your “best film of all time” is copy cat of Taxi Driver?

[@drobviouslol]

Agreed, my favourite film of all time.

[@junkyardphonk]

Watched this with no expectations like I do all movies, didn't watch the trailer knew nothing about it and its amazing

[@AlpArslanTheSeljuk]

I love how relevant this is atm

[@tobiaspostma4870]

I feel like the way Paris is portrayed is the extent to which the three have access to the city as troubled youth from the developmental projects. Of course the city still has this beautiful and romantic side portrayed in other films but there is this disparity due to class struggle that denies those from the projects access to the romantic side and shows the side of the city they are thrown into by their socio-economic position.

[@rolandpereira4161]

Also their short trip to Paris shows how they don't fit in due to theri class disparity. They get kicked out of the art expo because of their unpolished language. They manage to start a stolen car but none of then knows how to drive it due to their poor living conditions.

[@benfearnhead9851]

The scene with Vinz talking to his reflection in the mirror was filmed with Vincent playing the reflection and another actor playing the back of his head and body so the camera wasn’t caught in the reflection. Some clever work. Amazing movie and never gets old.

[@Ruwenzori-gv7lc]

a timeless film - even in the 21st century

[@hoc1992]

yes

[@dvmien]

La Haine was actually filmed in color originally but changed to black and white in post production btw

[@jojorilu]

Yupp, I've read that he save the colored version of the black and white wouldn't get the traction. The black and white is super important in this movie, because it helps with the focus of the characters and all the undertones in the movie. With color it would be more impressions throughout the film and would lead some focus elsewhere

[@yassinelalami7937]

Hi ! I am from Marseille (South France) I really appreciated your analysis, this film was part of my political training, your analysis is meticulous. Bravo !

[@Pennergon]

That’s my favorite movie of all times. I was born 1980 and that was the first movie that represented our lifestyle. Hanging around, making trouble, having problems with the police, no plan for the future. We watched that movie over and over again and we found ourselves in the characters. We interpreted the Grunwalski Story as a general lesson about society and people who are far away from it. Everytime you reach your hand the trousers fall down, that means something stupid happens and you stumble. At the end of the movie Vinz reaches his hands and hands out the gun to Hubert, they all get a little bit closer to society, but then the trouser falls down and Vinz gets shot by the police. The story is the key to the movie. God how many evenings did we discuss about that movie. A truly masterpiece, for me the best movie ever.

[@jojorilu]

I would say that the Grunwalski story is a reflection of Vinz pride. That he stumbles fue to his pride and someday that pride will put you in a situation that might cost you your life. Not saying that's what the director meant, but that's the beauty of this film, the many perspectives on plot, scenes, characters and hidden messages.

[@seauxtired]

This is extremely well-made. Your examination of the movie is so packed with meaning, in just 7 minutes!

[@ciaranp8986]

"the choice of 90s clothes"??? it was made in the 90s and set in the 90s

[@TheBlackBox_YouTube]

I was writhing in my chair when said that shit lmao it's a pretty good analysis other than that take lol

[@sr8148]

This film has been my favourite since when I 1st see it in 96, growing up and even now I introduce people I know to this. And they all appreciate it and a lot relate to it. For my self when I was growing up each character is the in embodiment of one or another of my close mates growing up on an estate, and now that I’m older I see each as a way I have felt in situations as I’ve got older.

[@ixriad_ty6900]

I watched this movie a while ago but the only thing that makes me think of so much is that ive never understood what the meaning behind the cow, i just kept thinking about it and never came up with something

[@BbJones-d7p]

La vache is slang for police and it is Vinz internal fear that he acts tough and has bravado but wouldn’t actually use the weapon as fear of what would happen. Why he runs away and doesn’t help his friends when they are caught also.

[@philfromguam]

Watched this movie in the 90’s and it definitely opened the world of independent movies to me

[@Incog80]

Which year ? After 95

[@jackfairbairn4389]

quality vid mate, loved the way u broke it down

[@genericorochimain7027]

I feel like the Characters represent a different parts of the Banlieue, Vinz represents the young adults, radicals more prone to revolutionary violence, Hubert represents the old heads, those who fought and recognised the futility thus moved towards peaceful living over violence, and Saïd represents the youngest generation, the kids who are greatest influenced by their surroundings. The film in my opinions is just this story that has existed in the banlieue forever, the old trying to steer the youngest from glorified violence until the aggression of the young adults (Vinz) leads to death / tragedy which leads to the continuation of the cycle (Sorry for bad English I am French)

[@mmp233]

I was raised in such an environment in early 00's but my family was at that time a wellstanding high educated one. Shame that the neighbourhood went really bad. As young and dump I of course chose to be with these kind of people. Therefore I could understand both worlds in the same time. Man this film is so magical it makes me emotional. When I'm watching it I really feel like Im back again, back to that environment back at that age You never forget the feelings of random excitement, disappointment, danger melancholy, anger, optimism and dreams. No other film can give me this mix of feelings like this one.

[@kavindarajapakshe3140]

‘La haine’ also is one of my favorite movies of all time. Also your video is very educational in general and in a film analytical POV. Keep up the good work!

[@amilakahrimanovicze]

I loved your video! Just finished watching La Haine and after hearing the director’s words that the last few seconds of the movie are the ones that matter (the most) everything fell into place. They really left a mark on me, not that I didn’t love the rest of the film, but I felt like something was missing and the tension kept building up. Cinematography truly is incredible, and your character analysis is so on point!

[@coolcoconuts4453]

Interesting you mention that particular dolly shot for this film, my personal favourite is the scene where the camera is mounted on the front bumper of the BMW, you get the view of the whole front of the car as it drives around. Creative beyond recogition

[@maxalmonte14]

Every time I watch a film I write a small review of it so I can go back after some time and see exactly what I thought of it after seeing it. La Haine is the first film I had to watch two times before being able to put my thoughts down, 'cause after the first watch I had no idea what I just saw. I totally agree with your interpretation of the man in the bathroom story, at first I thought it was just comedic relief, but the second time around it was clear to me, Hubert was reaching to Vinz, but he refused to let go of his pride. Nice video man, keep up the good work!

[@hannessey5854]

This movie is so heavily underrated and part of pop culture. Thanks for this amazing video/analysis!

[@blushawty]

Banger of a vid. Glad to have found a new channel with solid and fresh film content

[@sonnyross1ter]

Thank you bro 🙏🏻

[@samsedghi5791]

Amazing analysis with the story the old guy told in the bathroom! That's such a crazy and real way to look at it!

[@owenhollander]

Excellent analysis. I really enjoyed it! Keep them coming

[@owenhollander]

I was your 70th subscriber

[@MisfitDirectors]

Brilliant video. Makes me wanna watch it again. Your reviews are thoughtful and excellently produced

[@hgv3666]

That movie is literally my childhood filmed in a movie, thats why i regard it as one of my fav movie of all time. Very fond of it, say it multiple times even in repeat just going down memory lane.

[@sandracassinelli5874]

One of the most painful things I have ever experienced. I knew it was coming but I still sobbed audibly

[@bowbow77]

Great review. Def in my top 5 movies. After seeing it the other night, im not that usually fickle on top 5s but it’s an astounding movie. The theater was laughing at old man’s story but I totally understood it the way you did. Also the theater was silent for the ending and into the credits but felt the urge to clap at such Great movie, very powerful. Living in Philadelphia thru the 2020 riots and days following felt so much like this movie but I never seen the topic so pinned down from another culture. Truly awesome, deep, heavy and inspiring movie.

[@Kalidou-s9k]

More than anybody else I have seen on youtube, you have good control as far as story-telling and rhetorical analysis goes, two thumbs up. I will be excited to see more of your video essays in the future, you have got talent, do not waste it.

[@sonnyross1ter]

Thanks so much. New video coming soon 👀

[@WelshGold27]

🥷🏻Never forgot La Haine since first watching it in 96! So many iconic scenes. So slick. So relevant now.

[@CheapSushi]

I just finished watching it. I really enjoyed it overall. But I guess I struggled a bit with trying to understand it at a deeper level probably because I'm just so used to the violence and extremes of things, especially in 2024, while living in Chicago. The gun doesn't even phase me. But I just really enjoyed the acting, the chaotic friendship between them, the tension and nervousness about their actions, thoughts, motivations as the time was going by and even how rational and calm headed Hubert was.

[@iseverythingokathome]

Feels like an informed, chill and authentic analysis throughout, and i feel like ive learnt something. Great film, great content. Many thanks 👌

[@artistjim114]

Great take on this amazing firm. Much respect to you for including Do the Right Thing. I was born in New York (like Do the right thing) and my family lived in Paris before NYC, (like La Haine). I’ve always knew the similarities of both places, and that’s why I love and appreciate both movies.

[@syldaviaball9545]

One of my favourite movies, awesome video essay!

[@hadinasrallah8928]

my first french film and wow def gonna check out more and go out of my comfort zone of japanese cinema

[@voidwarewastaken]

Wow thank you so much for this video essay, it really helped me understand the movie.

[@matthewh6172]

The whole point being about the redemption arc for Vince leading to nought but death blew me away the first time I saw this. No matter what they do, the system ultimately decides their fate. And to think nothing has changed in our society nearly 30 years on.

[@Incog80]

Informative review. Classic film recorded in 1994 and released in 1995

[@alexobrien4906]

Great vid man, big loyle carner fan too

[@ismaelbenjelloun529]

This movie really shows the problems of society and politics in France and Paris. It’s so interesting!

[@jojorilu]

I saw it in 2001 when I was 17 in Stockholm Sweden, and it represented me and my friends in so many ways. I think that growing up in a European multicultural environment with a sense of society exclusion adds to the relatability to this movie. I grew up protesting, fighting the cops, throwing rocks at the Israel embassy, getting arrested, fighting with skinheads and so forth. We where also totally consumed by hiphop and weed culture. And the characters in the movie are also so relatable, because I could see certain characteristics in Vinz, Said and Hubert in me and my friends. I also love how the movie emphasizes on the problem with pride in young adults, and how pride causes problems in that certain environment. I myself can say pride was probably my biggest problem at that age, but in those years we idolized it.

[@mdotwintercomfort3610]

Good job bro. Do the Right Thing is my favourite film 🎥 🎞 with La Haine a close 2nd.

[@dannyd9333]

Great review for an exceptional movie!

[@hoc1992]

Timeless Masterpiece - forever

[@alisonreeves4019]

Great summary. This is the first of your videos I’ve watched, but I’ll be sure to look at others. As for La Haine, I agree with you that it’s an absolute masterpiece; one of the best films of the late C20th. I was lucky enough to see it in the cinema when it was released - yes, I’m ancient! - and it’s stayed with me for 28 years. I’m also lucky enough to speak pretty decent French, which adds another layer. Thanks

[@sonnyross1ter]

Thank you! You are so lucky to see it in a cinema. I would love for my local arthouse cinema to re release it!

[@alphabarre9096]

Lmao now we're all ancient 😂 but at the same time 1995 seems like yesterday 😢😮

[@zeikerd]

seen it when it came out, still my nr2 favorite movie ever.

[@yurdburg]

fire review sonny. this movie was fantastic

[@TheNotoriousFonzy]

Really good analysis, thank you!!!

[@LCSTrains]

Im doing this for a level french, and this had honestly made me so excited and interrested, so thank you

[@kholondotshayisa9068]

Same! It's too good.

[@RS-B5ZV]

History repeats itself in June 2023 in Paris 😢

[@alialo7961]

well made video love this review and this film a lot

[@carolan4]

what an amazing review!

[@luncuthubeja]

solid video man i enjoyed it but i woud say its also inspired by 1993 film Menace to society man.

[@jamiebhatnagar3440]

Who else came here after studying La Haine for A Level french?

[@evasp7654]

me hahah

[@vinniedus]

Nice one!

[@kailynnsampson7826]

in the story I feel like Hubert needed to know when to let go. Nothing will change if nothing changes. Deep down he probably knew that they were holding him back or atleast vinz.

[@SuperJ1109]

Really good review -great vid- well done 👍

[@GorabisnotGorab]

Great video man I love the movie one of my favourites

[@lukem4343]

Nice breakdown of the film

[@asaptenebrae2240]

Ce film a parfaitement restitué la glande,la zone, être enfermé dehors ...

[@MatthewTavio]

Good video bro

[@morg.646]

truly a remarkable film

[@EarthEagleGT]

thank you for this video analysis

[@new.earth0]

Beautiful

[@goletarecordcompany3443]

Gotta agree with you. Great movie .

[@alasdairgriffiths6448]

Did he not film it in colour and made it black and white in post production? Iv seen pics of it in colour and he did this in case it wasnt successful in the black and white?

[@afraidofbridges4053]

This is the only movie to make me cry

[@AbeBuilt.Different]

What’s the background music? It’s so good 🤩

[@MarcMTV]

Bravo

[@MarcMTV]

Nice work, Sonny. Brilliant. Check menace II society which dropped in LA round the same time.. french class. We watched both here, in LA. You are spot on. On a lot of your takes- bravo

[@juliad368]

Really interesting analysis

[@jnr2912]

where can i watch the film?

[@patrickholt2270]

I think everything that doesn't happen does matter, because it shows both the boredom and stupidity of their lives, stuck in this estate where there's nothing to do or having to visit the Paris metropole where they are aren't welcome and can't afford anything, winding up doing stupid stuff not from their own folly but enforced on them by the socio-geography. Also, it helps create the sense of the fall, the inevitable drift towards tragedy that day in their lives that may be about to end. They are sliding down a slope without seeing the cliff-edge, although they know there is one somewhere. France has built this situation they have to live in, and may die from. It also focusses on their friendship, their chit-chat that everyone does and forgets, but is actually the social glue holding them together. And it allows time to take in the many forms of their structural oppression and alienation. The geographic segregation of their Banlieu from the "nice" Paris, it's concentric wall-like design facing inwards, with it's back to France and just a void and an underground car park in the middle. The economic alienation, the joblessness and low incomes helping trap the people inside. The violent over-policing, treating them as aliens and foreigners to be kept penned up away from Paris and the rest of France, including the institutional racism and Islamophobia. The personal alienation that manifests in aggression and defensive outbursts no matter where they are, but more noticeably among the "nice" Parisians from whom they are sundered culturally as well as geographically. They cannot socialise and mix freely with the opposite sex, because every good-looking girl at home is guarded by male relatives and their friends, so they lack the moderating influence of female company outside of sex. The genders are alienated as a byproduct of the class alienation and the cramped living conditions. Ultimately the boys' hostility reflects the implicit hostility of the city and the system towards them.

[@faysoufox]

Nice analysis, just a comment from a french speaker, the h is not pronounced in french in the word haine, haine sounds exactly like the letter n in English.

[@Incog80]

Song?

[@baydaloyal]

World has changed so much

[@scerenidee]

I── did you by any chance come across The Cinema Cartography essay on La Haine, “La Haine ── So Far, So Good... ” published 7 years ago?

[@sonnyross1ter]

I used a lot of videos as inspiration to the essay I wrote, which bit did you find too similar?

[@thelameg6]

not enough is said about this film. Pulp fiction, which came out a year earlier is lauded by the greater Internet as one of the greatest films ever and frankly it doesn’t hold a candle to La Haine. la haine is what cinema should be in my opinion.

[@elianatoscano1811]

This movie is heavy

[@MrUtah1]

I’d say it harkens back to the French New Wave. The obvious thing to say about that would be about the black and white colouring, but you can also say that it doesn’t shy away from social issues like police brutality, poverty, racial tensions and violence. And with its editing, sound design and cinematography, it’s not afraid to roughen things up.

[@mouaddrouiche4589]

Bro , the pronociation is La En The "H" is silent

[@Incog80]

Song called ?

[@tannerlucas2274]

Thank you Sonny. Keep it up

[@Risdam1]

Best film ever

[@TheUzume32]

I agree!

[@Aestareth_]

7:14 police brutality exists but you also have to remember why it exists first off, it's not nearly as bad in countries like France than in the US but while police brutality is bad, crime is bad too, and if you want the tensions to stop then you need to take care of both problems

[@RascalFascal]

What Makes La Haine a Captivating Masterpiece? Everything. 😉

[@mareksicinski3726]

0:55 Polish man It wasn’t really about pride They were sent by the Soviets to a labour camp / concentration camp

[@caspar2413]

nice,

[@newbalance2002r]

best of the best

[@viktoriakireeva5860]

Omg a friend recommended this as it was free on iPlayer. I just don’t get it… why on earth is this considered a masterpiece? The title is pretty fitting though… I absolutely hated it!! Had to just fastforward through big chunks of it just to see to the end. Are we supposed to feel hatred towards the police and empathy towards the main characters? How come I’ve never in my life experienced any brutality from the police? Is it maybe because I’m not breaking law, stubbing people, using drugs and rioting? I think police is not brutal enough, it’s not even strict enough with the likes of those depicted in this grim black-and-white (an attempt to make it more original? But made it even grimmer than it is) “masterpiece”.

[@LukeBensonx]

So because you haven’t experienced this for yourself, means that you hated it? Makes sense viktoria😅

[@jameseddine8627]

watching this after France riots over the 16 Algerian kid who got killed by police xd

[@guiguijol]

For now my country is dying from criminal's brutality. Kassovitz was wrong. I was 15yo and living in that kind of neighborhood in Le Havre, when this movie was released, I was a huge fan, I was wrong too.

[@BbJones-d7p]

The H is silent

[@syldaviaball9545]

La hen 🐔🐔🐔🐔

[@Literally-MeOG]

What Makes La Haine a Captivating Masterpiece? Because it has no english syncro

[@donadon6993]

gg