Ares (2016)

In a future France with many unemployed, big companies run the country. Ares is a loser boxer. When his sister's arrested, he agrees to a new drug, that'll help him win.

Director:

Jean-Patrick Benes

Writers:

Benjamin Dupas (collaboration), Jérémie Guez (scenario collaborator)

Stars:

Ola Rapace, Micha Lescot, Thierry Hancisse

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ola Rapace	...	Arès
Micha Lescot	...	Myosotis
Thierry Hancisse	...	Coach (as Thierry Hancisse de la Comédie Française)
Hélène Fillières	...	Altman
Ruth Vega Fernandez	...	Anna
Eva Lallier	...	Anouk
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing	...	PDG Donevia
Élina Solomon	...	Mae
Yvon Martin	...	Tyro
Pierre Perrier	...	Boris
Emilie Gavois-Kahn	...	Carla
Jo Prestia	...	Zito
David Migeot	...	DG Donevia
Vincent Parisi	...	Eugénique n°67
Philippe Paimblanc	...	Chef du Board

Storyline

In a near future, the world order has changed. With its 15 millions of unemployed citizens, France has now become a poor country. Its people wavers between rebellion and resignation and find an outlet in the shape of TV broadcast ultra brutal fights in which the players are legally doped and unscrupulous.

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Plot Keywords:

steroids | cyberpunk | transgender character | anarchist | character name as title | 

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Genres:

Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Soundtracks

Arès vs La Masse (Arena Theme Reprise)
Music by Alex Cortés feat. David Imbault
© 2016 Gaumont / Albertine Productions

User Reviews

Not bad at all

Ares is a movie falling into the category of dystopian stories, which seem to be quite popular lately. In it, we find all traditional elements of a dystopia: super rich elite and starving, homeless masses, evil corporations willing to do whatever it takes to increase profits, violent entertainment - here in the shape of a particularly violent type of boxing in which everything goes - drugs, and general hopelessness. The protagonist is an ex-boxer, who helps the regime until he is forced to go back in the ring.

Right up to this point I was certain this was going to be yet another movie about a brave individual beating the regime by taking part in its sick entertainment. And just when I was starting to feel truly bored, the movie became much grittier and much darker than I expected. This second part of the story is really well crafted and it is able to say a few important things about our modern society.

The acting is really good and I would say it is one of the best aspects of the movie. I especially liked Ola Rapace as Ares, as he was able to convey both the character's love for his family and his violent nature. Also, it is quite refreshing to see actors who aren't Hollywood stars once in a while.

Special effects, cinematography and editing may not be the best in the world, but they are quite good, especially for a European movie. The brightly-colored CGI generated skyscrapers not only look pretty good, but they also add a lot to the general atmosphere of the movie.

To sum up, Ares may not be the best dystopian movie in the world, but it is a solid production nonetheless. It's quite ambitious and may surprise a viewer expecting another bloody and violent action movie. I know I was surprised by how good the movie is.

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

23 May 2017 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ares

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$109,143

Company Credits

Production Co:

Albertine Productions, Gaumont, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1