District B13 - Netflix Find - Movie Review

Okay, I admit, I’m very late to the party on District B13 which was released in 2004. To my credit, it is a French import that was not widely released theatrically in the U.S. (as far as I can tell).

Here’s the Netflix blurb:
“Produced and co-written by acclaimed filmmaker Luc Besson, this stylized action thriller is set in Paris 2010, where the government has fenced off the city’s ghettos, the most dangerous of which is District B13. Teaming up to infiltrate the lawless sector, an elite-unit cop and a reformed vigilante put their lives on the line in a gutsy attempt to retrieve a stolen nuke and thwart a terrorist attack by the city’s most powerful gang.”

District B13 was co-written and produced by Luc Beeson. Not familiar with Beeson? He’s one of my favorite guilty pleasure filmmakers. Some of his films (either as writer, director or producer) include: Leon (aka The Professional in the U.S.), The 5th Element, Wasabi, Ong-Bak, Angel-A, Transporter 1,2 and 3, Taken and most recently From Paris with Love. So after reading that resume you know exactly what your in for with District B13; lots of stylish action, fights and explosions with minimal plot.

Surprisingly District B13 brings something to the table that I have not seen used in abundance in an action film before, Parkour. There was a Parkour style chase in Casino Royale but that’s the only time I remember seeing it in a film. Although, I will say, one could argue that Jackie Chan has been using Parkour in his fighting/films for years. In fact that’s what this film reminded me of the most; a good ol’ Jackie Chan action riot.

Also to note is District B13 was directed by Pierre Morel who helmed one of 2008′s best action films Taken. The two films are similar in that they both are essentially violent chase films. Although I found the violence in District B13 to be much more tame and unrealistic in comparison to Taken.

Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of any of the films or filmmakers I’ve mentioned, I have no doubt you will be equally thrilled and entertained by District B13. Rated R available on: Blu ray, DVD and Netflix Watch Instantly.

Note: I watched District B13 via Netflix streaming. It is a French film so the film was subtitled. (I prefer to watch foreign films that way). I understand that not everyone enjoys the experience of subtitles. I could not find any information on the Netflix site that mentions an English dub is available on the DVD or Blu ray.

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