Rebellion
Matthieu Kassovitz - Starring: Matthieu Kassovitz, Iabe Lapacas, Malik Zidi

Matthieu Kassovitz made a big splash as both actor and director internationally with La Haine. But that gripping thriller was almost twenty years ago now and he has struggled to repeat its success. With Rebellion he once again sets himself amongst the first rank of French directors.
The film addresses the 1989 uprising in New Caledonia, the French engaging the full might of their not inconsiderate military to brutally suppress a small group of Kanaky separatists. It is an incident that still resonates in the colony today. It is also topical, as a hand-over, which might or might not happen, is due in 2014, probably signalling the fact that the island's nickel reserves, which have been mercilessly plundered by France for decades, are finally running out.
Rebellion is based on a book by the man, Philippe Legorjus – played by Kassovitz - who was the principle negotiator with the Kanaky rebels after they had taken four gendarmes hostage. But his position was quickly sidelined. France was in the middle of an election. Jacques Chirac wanted a show of strength. So a situation which could have been resolved peacefully became a massacre. This is a first-hand account from someone who was in the thick of it.
The film is brilliant: cinematography, acting, everything is just spot on, particularly the striking use of music. A study of war and politics, it is eye-opening, tense and exciting and, remarkably, true.

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