French Connection, The (re-release)

EMAIL PRINTTwo Boots Pioneer Theater

9.3 User Score:

Universal acclaim

Based on 4 critic reviews
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Based on 9 votes
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Movie Info

Genre(s): Suspense/Thriller

Written by: Ernest Tidyman
Robin Moore (novel)

Directed by: William Friedkin

Release Date:
Theatrical: March 5, 2003
DVD: September 25, 2001

Running Time: 104 minutes, Color

Origin: USA

Summary

RATING: R

Starring Gene Hackman, Fernando Rey, Roy Scheider, Tony Lo Bianco, Marcel Bozzuffi, Frédéric de Pasquale, Bill Hickman, and Ann Rebbot

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)

Also On The Web: Internet Movie Database

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Chicago Tribune Gene Siskel

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]

The New York Times Roger Greenspun

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]

TV Guide Staff (Not credited)

This tough, brilliant crime film features Hackman as the indefatigable Popeye Doyle, who passionately hates drug pushers.

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Variety Staff (Not credited)

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.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this movie is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 9 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jay H. gave it a7:
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.

Tony B. gave it a9:
I placed "The French Connection" in the #3 spot on my 1971 Best Film's list. It would have been #1 if its much praised car-train chase sequence had been more carefully photographed and edited. Any viewers familiar with the section of Brooklyn in which it was filmed should have been able to spot how sloppily it was put together.

Rex G. gave it a10:
One of my favourites. A thrilling movie with a stunning performance by Gene Hackman. Got to love watching old movies without that disturbing "Hollywood-Music" in every single scene.

Pat C. gave it a 9:
A simple story about sophisticated international malfeasance that attempted one transaction too many. Nothing to indicate distinction, but director Friedkin was able to realize a vision of underlying intensity, and Hackman put in such an undeterred performance that he is still the icon of law enforcement persistence.

Yoon Min C. gave it a 9:
Best bang for the buck, a movie that smartly reinvigorated the crime thriller by infusing it with the gritty realism of New American cinema that exploded onto the scene in the early 70s. It's however much more than a half n half mixture of Hollywood action and art film. There's real chemistry and fireworks resulting from the fusion. Edgy, hardboiled, and packed with fierce action without ever going overboard(the norm in today's action films) this is one of a kind. Acting is impeccable all around. Friedkin wouldn't make a film this good until To Live and Die in LA.

Martin D. gave it a 10:
Thrilling ffrom the first to the last, hackman dazzles in this great cop story, they dont make them like this any more.

Tom S. gave it a 10:
The French Connection is an example of a classic action drama film. If you like to see a great film then make this your (French) connection.