JOY!!!!!!!!!!

Cinemagasm. Once, when I read the title and, twice, when I read the description.

I saw La Haine a great many years ago on videotape. It made quite an impression on me. So beautifully shot and really hit the right existentialist tone. I don't remember a lot of the plot details but it dealt I liked the way the three friend interacted - a Jew, an African, and an Arab. I remember thinking it was cool seeing immigrant faces in other countries.

I've looked for it a few times on dvd but it never was released as so in the states. Finally. On Criterion, no less.

Quick Facts. Some reasons it's cinemagasm worthy:

• Outstanding B&W photography
• Relevant today as when it was released in 1995
• Attracted some 5 million viewers in the first six weeks of its theatrical release
• Fell into oblivion, appreciated only by a handful of connaisseurs.
• Produced for less than 15 million FF
• Shot in the streets with a small crew and actors who until then were unknown (Cassel has since become a bankable commodity)
• Highly critical of police brutality, virulent racism, and the media as show business, Has a certain biting humor.
• Director Kassovitz has a great passion for rap, slang, boxing, and popular street culture.
• Director Kassovitz, recipient of the Best Director award at Cannes in 1995 for his effort, has since wasted his talent. He now shoots conventional thrillers and horror films.