6.6/10
987
15 user 9 critic

La balance (1982)

R | | Crime, Drama, Romance | 10 November 1982 (France)
La balance Poster
Nicole is a Parisian streetwalker and Dede is her racketeer boyfriend, on the outs with his mob bosses because of a dispute over Nicole. When a police informant ("balance") is murdered, the... See full summary »

Director:

Bob Swaim

Writers:

Mathieu Fabiani (dialogue) (as M. Fabiani), Bob Swaim (dialogue) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Nathalie Baye, Philippe Léotard, Richard Berry | See full cast & crew »
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3 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards »

Photos

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nathalie Baye ... Nicole Danet
Philippe Léotard ... André Laffont dit Dédé
Richard Berry ... L'inspecteur Mathias Palouzi
Maurice Ronet ... Roger Massina
Bernard Freyd Bernard Freyd ... Le Capitaine
Christophe Malavoy ... Tintin
Jean-Paul Comart ... Le Belge (as Jean-Paul Connart)
Albert Dray Albert Dray ... Carlini
Florent Pagny ... Simoni
Tchéky Karyo ... Petrovic (as Tcheky Karyo)
Raouf Ben Yaghlane Raouf Ben Yaghlane ... Djerbi
Galia Salimo Galia Salimo ... Sabrina - la prostituée (as Galia Dujardin)
Sam Karmann Sam Karmann ... Paulo Sanchez
Robert Atlan Robert Atlan ... Ayouche
Luc-Antoine Diquéro Luc-Antoine Diquéro ... Picard
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

Nicole is a Parisian streetwalker and Dede is her racketeer boyfriend, on the outs with his mob bosses because of a dispute over Nicole. When a police informant ("balance") is murdered, the cops have to scramble for a replacement. Deciding on Dede, they begin to put a nasty squeeze on him and Nicole. Written by Paul Berk <pbnyc@compuserve.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

underwear | sex | sex in public | sex club | nudity | See All (205) »

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
Edit

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

10 November 1982 (France) See more »

Also Known As:

The Nark See more »

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Films Ariane, Films A2 See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

French visa # 55912. See more »

Connections

Remade as Untitled Florent-Emilio Siri Project See more »

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User Reviews

 
More than just a French Dirty Harry
27 January 2011 | by carcarri – See all my reviews

Somewhat in the tradition of literary realism, this is a police story with much drama and a hint of tragedy. When the determined police officer Palouzi (Berry)decides to get the mob boss in his district by replacing a blown up informer, his choice is a hooker, Nicole (N. Baye) and her pimp, Dédé (P. Léotard). Both are rather humane, likable and loyal to each other. Perhaps a bit of a cliché in the character Nicole. Palouzi will put ruthless pressure on them to get their reluctant collaboration. Given this scenario, things will be necessarily difficult for them. Very good performances of Berry, Baye and Léotard, and some violence scenes well staged and played. Interesting denouement with somewhat ambiguous (to me) ending. The character of the efficient, driven and street-wise officer Palouzi has interest and psychological depth. Maybe he will be devious and tough to make Nicole and Dédé to play his game, but also maybe he will try to keep them out of harm's way, if possible. In sum, no clear-cut heroes and villains, good story and script, good actors, intense action, credible ambiance, with some interesting characters.
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