La Guerre des polices (1979)
Directed by Robin Davis

Film Review

La Guerre des polices is a fine example of the kind of hardboiled, gritty French thriller that emerged in the late 1970s, following the trend for greater realism and explicit violence that had been set by Hollywood filmmakers.  Inspired by a true story, the film gives a credible, indeed disturbing, portrayal of the kind of internecine conflict that was known to exist between the various strata of the French police system at the time.

In what was his second full length film, director Robin Davis brings a distinctly hard edge to the traditional French polar, laying the groundwork for the tougher crime thrillers which followed in the early 1980s (and which are still in vogue today).  Whereas many films of this genre and this era feel somewhat dated, La Guerre des polices still holds up remarkably, thanks to Davis's assured direction, a well-honed script and the sterling contributions from a talented cast.   Of particular note on the acting front is Claude Brasseur, who was awarded the Best Actor César for his role in this film.

Film Synopsis

In the early hours of the morning, police superintendent Ballestrat is about to arrest Hector Sarlat, the most wanted criminal in France, when a rival police squad led by Jacques Fush puts in an unexpected and unwelcome appearance.  In the confusion that follows, a policeman is shot dead and Sarlat makes good his escape.  It is a complete fiasco and when the minister of the interior hears of this he is outraged and orders Ballestrat and Fush to work together, to capture Sarlat as quickly as they can and with the minimum of collateral damage.  Considering each other as rivals rather than allies Ballestrat and Fush have no intention of working together.  For both of them, the arrest of Sarlat will be a personal crusade, and woe betide the other if he gets in the way...