District 13 - Ultimatum

Directed by: Patrick Allessandrin

Starring: David Belle, Cyril Raphaelli, MC jean Gab’1, Elodie Yung

Synopsis: Set three years after the original film, and the walled ghetto of District 13 is still standing despite government promises. For some on the inside, this is a good thing as it allows them to conduct their criminal activities without police interference. However Leito (Belle) feels aggrieved by the government’s betrayal and carries out acts of rebellious destruction. When high-ranking officials conspire to have District 13 destroyed so they can get hold of the land and exploit it as choice real estate, Leito and his police buddy, Capt Damien Tomaso (Raphaelli), must join forces once more to expose the deadly conspiracy.



Review: District 13 – Ultimatum follows the tried and tested sequel formula – more of the same, only bigger and louder. Whilst the structure of the film is very similar to that of the original, there is a bit more depth and expanse to the story.

For example the film starts with a virtuoso, whirlwind tour of District 13 itself, highlighting all the different gangs and cultures sitting side-by-side and to an extent interacting with each other, populating the district in a way that the original film couldn’t.

Once more Belle and Raphaelli get an introduction that showcases their skills – although Belle’s scene is nowhere near as impressive as his intro in the first film, it does allow him to get a few things off his chest. Raphaelli’s scene starts as completely ridiculous (he’s in drag) but turns into an excellent action scene.

Whilst Parkour isn’t used as much in this film, the action and choreography is high calibre all the way through the film, with Damien and Leito’s escape from a police station being one of the high points.

MC Jean Gab’1 and Elodie Yung both get good screen-time too. MC Jean is soon to be an acclaimed action star in his own right with the much anticipated “Black”.

Like the original movie there is a point being made about the perils of ghetto-isation, a problem with many of France’s cities, and the film can be seen as a critique against quick-fix solutions. The climax of the film is therefore an interesting one and needs careful consideration.

Verdict

A worthy sequel to the excellent original, with Raphaelli and Belle once more showing off their skills and providing some jaw-dropping action.

8 out of 10 (MikeOutWest)