Watch Raid: Inside France's Anti-Terrorist Unit

Raid: Inside France's Anti-Terrorist Unit is a gripping documentary that takes a deep dive into the inner workings of France's elite counter-terrorism unit, RAID. Directed by Jean-Yves Le Naour, the film provides an unprecedented look at how RAID operates and what it takes to keep France safe from terrorist threats. The movie begins by delving into the history of RAID, tracing its origins back to the early 1980s, when France first started facing a wave of domestic terrorism. Viewers learn about the various incidents that led to the formation of the unit, as well as the challenges that it has faced over the years, from increased scrutiny to changing tactics by terrorists.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to an intimate look at RAID's day-to-day activities. From early-morning briefings to high-stakes hostage negotiations, we see how the unit operates in real-life situations. One of the most gripping sequences in the film involves the 2015 raid of an apartment in Saint-Denis, near Paris, in which the suspected mastermind of the November 2015 terrorist attacks was hiding. Through footage captured by RAID's own cameras, we see the intense and highly dangerous nature of the operation unfold in real-time.

But Raid: Inside France's Anti-Terrorist Unit is more than just a window into RAID's activities; it's also a human story. We meet several of RAID's members, from the unit's commander, Jean-Baptiste Dulion, to its newest recruits. Through interviews with these individuals, we gain insight into what motivates them to put their lives on the line every day, as well as the personal toll that such work can take.

Another notable aspect of the film is its discussions of the ethical and legal issues surrounding RAID's work. These are recurring themes throughout the movie, occurring whenever the unit is faced with a grey-area situation – such as when they are determining whether to use force against suspects who may be armed. In these moments, we see RAID's members grappling with the weight of the decisions they make, as well as the moral and legal implications that come with their work.

Overall, Raid: Inside France's Anti-Terrorist Unit is a gripping and insightful look into one of the world's most elite counter-terrorism units. Through its mix of archival footage, real-life operations, and intimate interviews with RAID's members, the film provides a nuanced and complex view of the work that goes into keeping France safe from terrorist threats. Whether you're interested in military operations, human stories, or the politics of counter-terrorism, this is a documentary that is sure to leave an impression.

Raid: Inside France's Anti-Terrorist Unit is a 2015 crime movie with a runtime of 52 minutes.