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Cillian Murphy on a Timeless Film: “La Haine”
Cillian Murphy, recognized for his exceptional talent in major films like Oppenheimer and acclaimed series such as Peaky Blinders, is not just a prominent actor; he also harbors a deep affection for cinema. One film that has significantly shaped his artistic journey is La Haine, a groundbreaking piece by Mathieu Kassovitz that remains a profound cultural touchstone nearly three decades after its release in 1995. Murphy isn’t alone in his appreciation; recently, actress Jenna Ortega similarly acknowledged her admiration for this impactful masterpiece.
Murphy’s Personal Connection to “La Haine”
In a recent interview with Konbini, Murphy revealed his longstanding admiration for La Haine, sharing that his passion for the film has extended to his family: “I recently showed this film to my kids, and they were completely blown away,” the actor remarked. “I believe it is a masterpiece that stands the test of time.”
“It has not aged and remains just as relevant today as it was upon release. Filmed beautifully in black and white, it carries even greater visual impact.”
A Profound Reflection of Society
La Haine delves into the racial and social tensions occurring in the suburbs of Paris through the eyes of three main characters: Vinz (Vincent Cassel), Saïd (Saïd Taghmaoui), and Hubert (Hubert Koundé). Following a night of riots, these friends navigate the repercussions of police brutality that has left one of their own in a coma. The film intricately captures the simmering anger festering in marginalized urban centers over a gripping 24-hour span.
A Soundtrack That Resonates
Murphy’s admiration for La Haine has spanned many years. Reflecting on its influence, he stated, “I first watched it in 1995, long before I ever became an actor. I was just a fan of films. I even owned a shirt with the movie’s logo. I bought a special DVD edition and became completely obsessed with it. The soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal.” For Murphy, the film is impactful not only visually and narratively but also musically, with its soundtrack being iconic for its time.
The film boasts an impressive 96% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, often described as a film that is “viscerally powerful and unflinchingly effective, addressing social and economic divides that plagued Paris in the 1990s.” Additionally, it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars on 123moviesful.
Timeless Appeal and Critical Acclaim
Actress Jenna Ortega has also ranked La Haine among her top four films of all time, alongside Barry Lyndon, The Passion of Joan of Arc, and Paris, Texas. With its near-perfect scores across various film platforms and the continually growing positive reviews since its debut, La Haine stands as a seminal work in contemporary cinema. If you haven’t yet experienced this film, it’s time to find out why renowned actors like Murphy celebrate it as a contemporary masterpiece.