Screening: Tuesday, May 5, 9:30pm
Directed by Cedric Jimenez
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Gilles Lellouche, Céline Sallette, and Benoît Magimel
Running Time: 135 minutes
Synopsis: A stylish, 70’s-period crime thriller inspired by true events, Cédric Jimenez’s The Connection tells the story of real-life Marseilles magistrate Pierre Michel (Jean Dujardin) and his relentless crusade to dismantle the most notorious drug smuggling operation in history: the French Connection. In his crosshairs is charismatic and wealthy kingpin, Gatean “Tany” Zampa (Gilles Lellouche), who runs the largest underground heroin trade into the States. Though the fearless and tenacious Michel, aided by a task force of elite cops, will stop at nothing–including boldly orchestrated drug raids, devastating arrests, and exacting interrogations–to ensure the crime ring’s demise, Zampa’s “La French” always seems one step ahead. As La French mounts its retaliation, Michel will be forced to make the most difficult decision of his life: to continue waging his war, or ensure his family’s safety, before it’s too late.
What the Critics Are Saying:
“A procedural epic whose complicated narrative is propelled by visceral action sequences and an unusually thrilling soundtrack.”
-John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter
The Chicago Critics Film Festival 