Polisse (2011)

Crime, Drama

Director: Maïwenn
Writers: Maïwenn, Emmanuelle Bercot
Starring: Karin Viard, Joey Starr, Marina Foïs, Nicolas Duvauchelle

An insightful and energetic look at the police workers of the Child Protection Unit (Brigade de Protection des Mineurs) in northern Paris. A young and timid photographer (played by writer-director Maïwenn) is assigned to the juvenile division of the police force, to document its activities for an article, and observes both the harsh realities that come with their job - child abuse, pedophilia, child prostitution, child homelessness and neglect - and the personal lives of the people she works with, with all the banter, partying, intense friendships, romances and difficult relationships they have at home.

Shot with a vérité-style that reminds more of a TV series than a movie, with the help of an ensemble of capable actors who deliver exceptionally dynamic and strong performances, actress-turned-writer-director Maïwenn's Cannes Jury prize winning drama makes for a strong emotionally rich film that will keep you pegged to your seats to the very last moment.

Plot summary from IMDb: The daily grind for the cops of the Police Department's Juvenile Protection Unit - taking in child molesters, busting underage pickpockets and chewing over relationship issues at lunch; interrogating abusive parents, taking statements from children, confronting the excesses of teen sexuality, enjoying solidarity with colleagues and laughing uncontrollably at the most unthinkable moments. Knowing the worst exists and living with it. How do these cops balance their private lives and the reality they confront every working day? Fred, the group's hypersensitive wild card, is going to have a hard time facing the scrutiny of Melissa, a photographer on a Ministry of the Interior assignment to document the unit.

Awards: 7 wins & 22 nominations.
Runtime: 127 min
NOT R