Set in the deprived suburbs of Paris, La Haine follows riots after a young Arab man is hospitalised by a police officer. We follow three young men, over 24 hours, each with differing relation to the riots and how poverty, and institutional racism affect their lives. La Haine is a visually beautiful film, with poignant and challenging themes.
The film, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, is based on events in France during the 1990s. A 17-year-old boy, Makomé M’Bowolé was shot in police custody on April 6th, 1993, where he was detained on suspicion of stealing a pack of cigarettes. This was one of three incidents in 4 days in which young people died at the hands of police in France.
If you’re frustrated at the world, feeling a lack of control, or just want to be seduced by a beautiful film, La Haine should be at the top of your list.
La Haine is a challengingly intense film from start to finish with perfectly timed silences and intricate characters. It successfully celebrates French cinema, whilst condemning French society. Kassovitz uses a plethora of stunning filmmaking techniques, from the use of black and white, to the dolly zoom. His skilful style wins over French cinephiles. But La Haine shows the reality of many French people- living in poverty and plagued by police brutality. It aims to open an audience’s eyes to the cycle of poverty. Deservedly winning Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, and the César for Best Film, La Haine has not failed to create cultural impact.
My recent trip to the cinema for a rewatch inspired this article. Watching La Haine with a large audience; being together, in silence, as the credits rolled demonstrates perfectly the impact that this film has. I am convinced every person in the cinema left feeling shocked and touched by what they had seen.
La Haine, even in 2025, packs a punch. It is a film that is worth going to the cinema for. If you’re frustrated at the world, feeling a lack of control, or just want to be seduced by a beautiful film, La Haine should be at the top of your list.