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Dir: Jean-Francois Richet / France / Canada / Italy 2008 / 113 mins / Cert: 16

Based on his autobiography L’Instinct de Mort, Mesrine: Killer Instinct is the first of two films which together span twenty years in the life of France’s
most notorious criminal, Jacques Mesrine.

Filmed back to back over nine months, the first of these superb films charts the rise of Mesrine (Cassel) as he returns home from the army and embarks upon a life of violent crime and retribution.

From the outset, Richet keeps the action moving, punctuating the gripping drama with memorable setpieces – including a thrilling jailbreak – whilst gradually unfolding the bigger picture.

Amongst the excellent cast, Gérard Depardieu (as powerful local gangster Guido) is outstanding; but it’s the dangerous, unpredictable charisma that Cassel brings to the central role that mesmerises. Clearly immersing himself completely in his complex character, Cassel here begins an absolutely astonishing performance.

Expertly handled by Richet, Mesrine: Killer Instinct is the first half of a tale of epic proportions, executed with an explosive flair and a cold, brutal realism of which Hollywood can only dream. - Edinburgh International Film Festival

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