Public Enemy Number One---that is, a commercial blockbuster. I didn't see the artistry anyway.

Evalyn 2022-01-31 08:02:47

Public Enemy Number One is the most important French film of 2008, based on the autobiography of Jacques Merlin, a very famous criminal in France in the 1970s. Such a film would never be allowed in China. The protagonist's main occupation is robbing banks, kidnapping billionaires, escaping prisons, and killing police officers. The film touches on politics, religion, and mocks the law, justice and government incompetence. Because France does not have the death penalty, he was finally shot and killed by special police on the streets of Paris.

The grumpy Merlin seems to be a mindless anarchist, and at times a young man with a boundless passion for politics. Desire is a terrible thing, but it is even more terrible if there is no desire. Jacques Merlin, who likes exciting life and beautiful women, likes to cause trouble everywhere. His companions either die or part ways. A naturally rebellious character, looking down on his father's cowardice. He likes to use politics as a cloak for his crimes, and has a good name.

Western countries have moved from idealism to materialism. After the outbreak of the revolution, the individual consciousness of freedom began to awaken, and people were no longer oppressed by theocracy. Jacques Merlin can be seen as a hero against the emerging political system. But what exactly he wants, even he himself does not know. He has a boundless passion for crime, and likes to be famous and to be in the newspapers. Crime is one of the only two ways in which he can get pleasure.

The starting point is different and the ending is the same, but the evaluations of later generations are quite different. Revolution and crime are two completely different words, not a beautiful coat used to sell outlook on life and values.

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Extended Reading
  • Kristina 2022-03-26 09:01:13

    Who but Vincent Caso has this kind of momentum

  • Kelvin 2022-03-26 09:01:13

    The characters can't stand, and the content is easy to avoid