The Assault (2010)
"L'assaut" (original title)

Based on a true story, a SWAT team is tasked with storming a high-jacked Air France plane to save its passengers.

Director:

Julien Leclercq

Writers:

Simon Moutairou, Julien Leclercq,

Stars:

Vincent Elbaz, Grégori Derangère, Mélanie Bernier

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Vincent Elbaz	...	Thierry
Grégori Derangère	...	Commandant Denis Favier
Mélanie Bernier	...	Carole
Aymen Saïdi	...	Yahia
Chems Dahmani	...	Mustapha
Mohid Abid	...	Makhlouf
Djanis Bouzyani	...	Salim
Marie Guillard	...	Claire
Naturel Le Ruyet	...	Emma
Philippe Bas	...	Didier snipper GIGN
Philippe Cura	...	GIGN 1
Grégoire Taulère	...	GIGN 2
Charlie Costillas	...	Jeune recrue GIGN 1
Ludovic Meacci	...	Jeune recrue GIGN
Laurent Paillot	...	Administratif GIGN

Storyline

Based on a true story, a SWAT team is tasked with storming a high-jacked Air France plane to save its passengers.

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Plot Keywords:

air france | swat team | anti terrorism | french | murder of innocent person | 

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Taglines:

227 Hostages. 1 French SWAT Team. Live Television.

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Genres:

Action | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

9 March 2011 (France)

Also Known As:

The Assault

Company Credits

Production Co:

Labyrinthe Films, Mars Distribution, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Very realistic and intense thriller...

While we are on a subject of movies based on true events, we must mention this French gem from 2010. Although the production values are not blockbuster-like, as you would expect them in a movie of this caliber, the usual French colour manipulation and slight blur applied in post-processing made the whole thing look much better with almost noir vibe. I had some doubts about this movie, that it will be some Taxi-like action, but I assure you that this is a serious movie. The only flaw that I could think of is that they didn't manage to fully develop the characters, but then again that wasn't the point. The point was the assault, and that part was done perfectly.

In the past decade we have seen a number of movies portraying special forces of different countries (SWAT, BOPE…) so we finally get the chance to see the frenchies in action, and out of all them, they were most successful (at least in real life). The Assault is a movie about the hijacking of Air France Flight 8969, that was taken by the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) in the December of 1994 and the attempts of the French government to peacefully resolve this situation. Although this happened in 1994, after the September 11 attacks and a number of failed attempts to hijack other planes this is still a very interesting subject, especially now with the rise of the Islamic extremists. Speaking of them, we have a rare chance to look inside the mind of your average terrorist, and we have to thank the actors for that. Along with the actual raid, that part of the movie was just so fascinating to me. Maybe because of the outcome of this hijacking, they didn't hold back with the story and we can actually see what is going on behind closed doors. Bribes, pleads, blackmail and only as a final solution an assault… With a very talented director and a great cast, this movie will keep you on the edge of your seat with its realistic action and suspenseful atmosphere. The special bonus is that it's all true, and this just adds more tension to an already intense movie. I will not reveal you what happens in the end, but if you want you can check out the links below for more information, enjoy… As a final note, I must implore you that as with any other movie that isn't made in USA or England, please DO NOT watch the dubbed version, it will ruin the vibe…

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