The French Connection (re-release)
The French Connection (re-release) Image
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Metascore
96 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Starring: Gene Hackman, Roy Scheider
  • Summary: Based on what was then the largest heroin bust in U.S. history, 1971's The French Connection raised the bar for crime dramas, chase scenes and all the details that deliver what an authentic New York story looks and feels like. (Two Boots Pioneer Theater)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Gene Siskel
    100
    There is only one problem with the excitement generated by this film. After it is over, you will walk out of the theater and, as I did, curse the tedium of your own life. I kept looking for someone who I could throw up against a wall. [8 November 1971]
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    90
    Producer and screenwriter have added enough fictional flesh to provide director William Friedkin and his overall topnotch cast with plenty of material, and they make the most of it.
  3. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    90
    This tough, brilliant crime film features Hackman as the indefatigable Popeye Doyle, who passionately hates drug pushers.
  4. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Greenspun
    90
    The French Connection is a film of almost incredible suspense, and it includes, among a great many chilling delights, the most brilliantly executed chase sequence I have ever seen. [8 October 1971]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. pgmark
    10
    Gene Hackman as the dumpy tough cop.. superb!! Must see movie with a gritty feel you can almost imagine being there. So rare to find a Hollywood movie that is actually believable... this one is!!!!!!!… Expand
  2. nutterjr
    8
    It is hard not appreciate how remarkable this film would have been back in 1971. In fact, even today the chase feels very intense and suspenseful and is impeccably edited and brilliantly executed.… Expand
  3. JayH.
    7
    One of my lesser favorites of the best picture winners for the Academy Awards. For me, it doesn't stand out that much from any other crime thriller.It's above average, but not earth shatteringly exciting. It is superbly edited. I have no idea how this beat The Last Picture show.… Expand
  4. Kaasbraden
    1
    I can't understand the reputation this movie has. It has an extremely misleading title, and gives you a very negative impression of the country. It's not my experience of France at all. It was such a lovely place when I spent my honeymoon there. I didn't see any drugs the whole time I was there.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

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