Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic cop film with frequent profanity, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The French Connection
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Two tough NYC police detectives, "Popeye" Doyle (Gene Hackman) and Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) stumble upon a gigantic heroin-smuggling ring that connects the New York mafia to Marseilles, France. They discover who the "French Connection" is -- a suave gentleman named Alain Charnier (Fernando Rey) who manages to elude Doyle and Russo's pursuit. But when one of Charnier's hit men tries to murder Doyle, Doyle goes above and beyond traditional law-enforcement techniques, determined to stop Charnier and shut down his heroin operation.
Is It Any Good?
Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider are unforgettable as cop partners using pretty much any means necessary to stop a large shipment of heroin from coming into New York City from France. The action is unrelenting, and the car chase scene alone is a masterpiece in filmmaking. The French Connection set the standard for cop-themed dramas for decades to come, and it's easy to see why. The dialogue, action, and story combine to create a dark, gritty, and cynical masterwork from director William Friedkin, as perfect an example as any of the dark brilliance of so many great 1970s-era urban-themed films.
Based on a true story, and the winner of multiple Oscars, THE FRENCH CONNECTION is undeniably a classic that has transcended its gritty 1971 release to remain not only a great film but also a highly influential one. By graying the lines between "good guys" and "bad guys," one can see the influence of The French Connection on contemporary classic cop dramas such as The Wire.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of the antihero. What does that mean, and how do these lead characters embody this idea?
At the end of the film, the filmmakers seem to be making a comment on the criminal justice system. What is that comment, and do you agree or disagree with the message?
Does the violence in the film seem necessary to convey a sense of realism, or does it seem gratuitous?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 9, 1971
- On DVD or streaming: June 3, 2022
- Cast: Gene Hackman , Roy Scheider , Fernando Rey
- Director: William Friedkin
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors
- Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures
- Run time: 104 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- Award: Academy Award
- Last updated: May 31, 2024
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