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Cop Story is a French crime drama film directed by Jacques Deray and released in 1978. Set in Marseille, the film follows two police officers - Leo Vrinks (played by Alain Delon) and Denis Klein (played by Jean-Louis Trintignant) - who are both competing for a promotion to become the new chief of police. Leo Vrinks is a tough cop who is willing to bend the rules to get results. He has a history of violence and has crossed paths with criminals on more than one occasion. Denis Klein, on the other hand, is a by-the-book officer who is respected by his colleagues for his integrity and dedication to the job.

Their rivalry intensifies after a botched drug bust leads to the death of one of Vrinks' informants. The two officers are then assigned to investigate the heist of a drug shipment, which leads them to cross paths with a group of ruthless criminals led by Roland Darbont (played by Renato Salvatori). As they delve deeper into the case, Vrinks and Klein realize that they have very different methods of working and begin to clash with each other.

As the tension between Vrinks and Klein escalates, they both become more desperate to solve the case and prove themselves worthy of the promotion. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including Darbont's associates, played by Maurice Barrier, Paul Crauchet, and Claudine Auger.

Cop Story is a gripping crime thriller that explores the corrupt world of law enforcement and the lengths that some people will go to in order to advance their careers. The film is notable for its gritty, realistic portrayal of crime and violence, as well as its complex characters and intricate plot.

Alain Delon delivers a powerful performance as Leo Vrinks, playing the role with depth and nuance. He conveys the character's inner conflicts and flaws, making him both sympathetic and dangerous at the same time. Jean-Louis Trintignant is equally convincing as Denis Klein, bringing a sense of gravitas and moral authority to the role.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with Renato Salvatori standing out as the ruthless criminal mastermind Roland Darbont. Maurice Barrier, Paul Crauchet, and Claudine Auger all add depth and complexity to their respective roles, creating a world that is rich with vivid and compelling characters.

The film's direction by Jacques Deray is confident and assured. He handles the action scenes with flair and keeps the tension high throughout the film's runtime. The cinematography by Jean-Jacques Tarbès is also noteworthy, capturing the grit and darkness of Marseille with skill and artistry.

Overall, Cop Story is a classic of French cinema, an intense and thrilling crime drama that is both stylish and thought-provoking. Its exploration of power, corruption, and the thin line between good and evil make it a timeless and compelling film that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Cop Story is a 1975 art house & international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.