November – REVIEW
Image: NOVEMBER - film still
This intense drama is fictional but inspired by the true story of the coordinated Islamic extremist terrorist attacks upon Paris on November 13, 2015, that killed 130 people and injured over 400.
In the face of terror France was told they must be strong. A state of emergency was called as attempts were quickly made to neutralize the terrorists.
This movie doesn’t detail the attacks but concentrates on one of the biggest manhunts in history led by the French anti-terrorism services. Five exhaustive and highly pressured days were consumed in bringing these fugitives to justice before they reoffended.
©Rémy Grandroques
Unlike Hollywood blockbusters there is minimal action in this movie and the attacks are spoken about amongst the pivotal characters but never seen on screen. This works quite well as the aftermath of the attacks which were described as being reminiscent of warzones are left to the imagination of audiences.
November is powerful, captivating and highly suspenseful but thankfully without the high octane over the top action sequences which do provide value for dollar entertainment but also normally detract from reality.
This high quality feature had filming locations in Morocco, Greece, Belgium, and France.
French A-List performers Jean Dujardin and Sandrine Kiberlain head the cast as the anti-terrorism unit leaders who put their lives on hold for five days as they work against time to restore peace and normality in Paris.
Despite its dark themes and the effect these terrorist attacks had and continue to have on the general population of France, this was the biggest movie hit at the French box office in 2022.
★★★★
In Cinemas May 11
