La Haine

https://www.indiewire.com/2016/02/twenty-years-of-hate-why-la-haine-is-more-timely-than-ever-24180/amp/

“A story of social unrest, “La Haine” proves it has double vision, reflecting the past while anticipating the future.”

This quote stood out to me in the article, written 20 years after the release of La Haine. It shocks me how relevant this film is today, in 2019, specifically in the us. While we are in one of the largest periods of political and social unrest against the power of the police, with the slewing of young black citizens with little to no accountability in the police department, this film resonates with our situation. That dynamic of power is visible. Also parallel is the lost feeling of closure. We are left at the end of the film with the death of Vincent, and the possible death of Hubert. While witnessing this we do not see any justice throughout the film and are left with no sense of closure or retribution. While Kassovitz skillfully mirrors the growing unrest of France in the late ‘90s, the portrayal of injustice is relatable at any time. By humanizing the issues, inviting us to feel for the main characters rather than arguing political facts, the issue becomes ingrained in the audience, leading to a more devastating end.