District 13

Watch District 13

"Welcome to District B13. Welcome to the future"
  • R
  • 2004
  • 1 hr 25 min
  • 7.1  (73,074)
  • 70

In the year 2013, crime and poverty has gotten so bad that the government has walled off the ghettos into the titular "District 13." Criminals run unchecked within the area, and outside the walls the government is powerless to do much except patrol and try to keep the groups from fighting with one another. The public is largely apathetic to the plight of those trapped inside the walls.

It's in this area where David Belle's character, Leïto, is trying to make a life for himself. He's a devoted brother and uncle, trying to raise his younger sister and nephew and providing for them the best he can. Unfortunately, they happen to live in a building that drug lord Taha (Larbi Naceri) wants because of its convenient placement for his larger business.

After Leïto destroys a large amount of Taha's drugs, the kingpin retaliates by having Leïto's sister kidnapped. Leïto turns to law enforcement for help, but his plea falls on deaf ears. So, he turns instead to his friend, a government agent named Damien (Cyril Raffaelli), who has his own score to settle with Taha.

They team up to bring down Taha and his crew and save Leïto's sister. What ensues is part action movie, part buddy cop flick, and part commentary on societal ills, with a dash of parkour thrown in for good measure.

One of the standout elements of the film is the physicality of the leads. David Belle, a parkour practitioner in real life, brings an energy and fluidity to the action scenes that feels fresh and improvisational. Raffaelli, a longtime stunt performer, is no slouch either, and together they create some truly impressive fight choreography.

But the action isn't just for show; it serves as an extension of the film's message. The parkour elements show the agility and resourcefulness of the residents of District 13 in navigating and surviving in their environment. The varied fight scenes demonstrate the different skills and strengths needed to make a change within the system.

Tony D'Amario also shines as Taha's right-hand man, K2. He gives the character a quiet menace that balances out Taha's larger-than-life persona. Taha himself is a fairly typical villain, but Naceri brings a manic energy to the role that keeps things interesting.

The film also has a notable visual style. The cinematography by Manuel Teran does an excellent job of capturing the grit and chaos of the district, with lots of handheld shots and a desaturated color palette. The editing by Carlo Rizzo and Thierry Rouden keeps the action flowing smoothly, and the film's brisk runtime doesn't allow for much downtime.

District 13 is a solid entry into the action genre, with entertaining fights, likable leads, and a clear message about the consequences of ignoring societal problems. It's not the type of film that will change the world, but it's a fun ride with a good heart.

District 13
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Description
  • Release Date
    2004
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 25 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.1  (73,074)
  • Metascore
    70