The Emperor of Paris [DVD]

If you are in to historical drama, this film is an absolute gem. The anti-hero is a historical character so I will avoid spoilers as to his fate. Basically, he is a criminal who does a deal with the law enforcement authorities in Napoleon's Paris. In return for immunity, he agrees to help bring down or bring in criminals who have so far eluded the police. His methods prove brutal and effective as he goes about his mission, recruiting a diverse team of allies as he does so. His immunity is repeatedly dangled before him as an incentive and eventually he has to go up against an old and ruthless criminal accomplice. The story races along and comes to a satisfying end. However, what engaged my enthusiasm was the attention to historical detail. Paris looks suitable either dark and shabby or glorious and imperial depending where the scenes are set. Flintlock muskets and pistols emit a satisfying amount of smoke and do not automatically get reloaded, the shooter having to go through the rig-ma-role of cartridge and ramrod or pick up another weapon. The costumes are brilliantly done. Everyone wears a hat (something a lot of historical dramas before the 1960s tend to overlook) and the uniforms are rendered in excellent historical detail. (The Emperor's escort is reproduced with spectacular accuracy and the correct, though obscure unit is guarding the Ministry of Police.) The fighting is realistic, bloody and exhausting for the combatants. Even Napoleon gets a realistic and believable cameo. In short, this is a brilliant production that shows, like Peter Weir's 'Master and Commander', just because you take pains over the historical detail does not mean that you cannot have a pacey, entertaining thriller. This gets my strongest recommendation.

Well cast characters, beautiful film settings and wonderful costumes. A slight shortcoming: over dramatized acting.

A gritty historical drama set in early 19th century Paris in the latter days of Bonaparte`s reign; based on the real-life character Eugène-François Vidocq, who became the founder of the Sûreté nationale, it's a well-made and convincing story with excellent sets and locations that evoke the city of the period. A very fine cast, good cinematography and accurate period detail make this a satisfying and absorbing movie. The standard UK DVD release has no extras; it is – of course – a French film with English subtitles.

It's a really good piece of entertainment. Yes, the principal character did exist and became head of the Surete, but there, I fancy, this film and reality parted company. And, of course, so what? it's well-filmed, rattles along at a cracking pace and the cast are on good form. Especially Vincent Cassel. There's even the bonus of a turn from the brilliant Fabrice Luchini ('Moliere par bicyclette'.) All this for £2:50? Bargain.

Immediately engaging with every character played with real depth in action & dialogue affording an all round excellent performance & movie experience that really draws you into the time period deserves a sequel and possibly a series.

I decided to watch this movie because it was directed by Richet, who directed Mesrine. It stars Vincent Cassel as Vidocq, a small-time criminal who is known as "the escape artist". The movie opens with Vidocq on a prison hulk. Prisoners are forced into gladiatorial combat with death for the loser. Vidocq and another prisoner De Wenger, are thrown overboard wearing ball and chains. This entire sequence is fast-moving, violent and dramatic. It sets the tone for the movie. A decade later, we meet Vidocq again, as a solitary but clever linen salesman. Despite his vow to never involve himself in the lives of others he intervenes with a pickpocket/prostitute and pimp. As a result Vidocq is arrested by the head of the Surete. There is a powerful scene where Vidocq pleads for his life, without relinquishing one ounce of dignity. He becomes a thief-taker for the Surete, living in a strange grey are, neither pardoned nor executed. Cassel gets his teeth into this life, a melancholy lonely man who is legally able to satisfy his violent impulses by beating and killing hardened criminals. The film goes into high-gear at this point, with some very exciting action scenes. Colourful and atmospheric, the movie builds a world where men have very little and will kill for a couple of coins. The grimy greens and browns of Napoleonic Paris are contrasted with the rich golds and blues of the Palaces of the rich. I have rarely watched a movie that does such a wonderful job of contrasting the rich with the poor. The claustrophobic poverty and danger of the Parisian slums is such that one almost breathes a sigh of relief when Vidocq is forced to report to the palaces of the rich. As with Richet's Mesrine this is an action story. I will not give spoilers but there is an ambush scene with a carriage that is both thrilling and unnerving. Someone in Hollywood is bound to steal it (and mess it up). Good ensemble acting makes a good counterpoint to Cassel's taciturn ruthlessness. Olga Kurylenko is good as a countess with an extremely dodgy past. Her role is a little underwritten but her scenes with Cassel are very sparky and intriguing. The denouement of the movie is satisfying, tragic and a redemption of sorts. "Emperor of Paris" is a riddle of a story and it twists and turns. But it never loses sight of the humanity of its protagonists, while keeping one glued to the action. Very good.

Don't be put off wits this film being subtitled - an excellent film set in Paris after the French revolution. Rife with poverty in thieves and murderers etc - very similar to London at that time. One man eager to earn a pardon for a past crime, becomes an hero in routinG out the real villains. - this film engrips you 100%.

Great costumes and sets lousy script and direction

I liked the point of this film but not so much the journey.