Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17170 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-09-18
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: French
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 110 minutes

DVD Description
In the underbelly of the Parisian criminal world, the Police are frustrated by a gang committing a series of violent robberies. Leo Vrinks and Denis Klein are two cops seeking promotion and the imminent departure of the Chief sets the scene for them to compete for the vacant throne. Their competition between them becomes increasingly ruthless and blurs the usual lines of morality until there seems no difference between the police and the criminals they chase. Vrinks, meeting with a source, becomes involved with a murder. Klein seizes the opportunity to up the ante and arranges for the arrest of Vrinks but when he goes further and viciously involves Vrinks' wife, Camille, revenge is inevitable.

Synopsis
Acclaimed by critics as France's answer to HEAT, 36 stars two of the countries most accomplished actors. Leo and Denis are cops, each with a very different work ethic. Thrown together on a trying armed robbery case, the pair will embark on a journey that will force them to question whether they are any different from the criminals of whom they pursue.

Customer Reviews

Best French Crime Film in Years.
Daniel Autreil and Gerard Depardieu are the heads of two rival sections of the Paris police. Both have been given the task of catching a gang of violent and ruthless armed robbers. The prize for whoever catchs them is that he will become the new Chief of Detectives. The problem is that both of the are as violent and ruthless as the criminals they chase. Neither of them minds breaking the rules as long as they catch the criminals. Auteuil however is still mainly concerned with catching the bad guys even if he has to break the law to do it. For Depardieu however the prospect of promotion has become everything, he is quite willing to sabotage Auteuil's plans if it will help him further his career. Also there is a hint that they were once rivals for the love of Auteuil's wife.

This film is one which drags you into it's milleu, in this case the underworld of Paris. I suppose that Auteuil and Depardieu are the top actors in France today and neither disapoints. For Depardieu however this is his best performance in years and proof of what a great actor he is. He can do more with one look than even the best actors can with twenty minutes of dialogue.

IN the past the French have made many great gangster films and while this may not be up to the likes of Bob le Flambour or Rififi it is the best French crime film in years.

36 (Quai des Orfevres)
The previous reviewer is correct that the film is not like its American cousins but thats about all he's right about. This is a proper dark cop/gang thriller that doesn't conform to the usual yank tosh and subsequently is all the better for it.
No there are no enormous explosions or flash motors tearing around all over the place but if thats what you want go and buy Bad Boys. If on the other had you are looking for a realistic and well made film you can't go wrong here. The film is made by Oliver Marchal who was himself a Policeman in Paris so he knows his subject and it shows. I haven't enjoyed a film so much in a long time.

Superb french film
After being dragged kicking and screaming to the local arthouse cinema to watch this film by a French language student, I found myself spellbound for the entire duration of the film. The acting, the gritty realistic shooting and almost scarily believable plot made for one of the best thrillers I have seen for a long time. I have eagerly been awaiting its DVD release since I origianlly saw it. Buy this film!