Here the José Giovanni's trademark, touch, is everywhere; a style close to the Auguste Le Breton's one. Underworld rough, brutal rules, codes of friendship, loyalty, honor that always lead to disaster, tragedy, where no one survives. It is gripping, taut, guts grabbing. Adapted by José Giovanni from his own novel. As Samuel Fuller with SHOCK CORRIDOR and DEAD PIDGEON ON BEETHOVEN STRASSE. Jean Paul Belmondo at his top, so Michel Constantin. The adaptation is very very faithful, nearly shot book handed. I can't get tired to see it over an over again. And I don't even speak of the fantastic, awesome François De Roubaix's score, with barrel organ.... A milestone in French gangster movies, written by a great specialist.
Review of Scoumoune
