AKA

Guess the French was really into giving action films to Netflix this year, given how i just talked about In His Shadow in my last review so the fact that they have been able to do two good action French films in a row here is kinda impressive on Netflix's part. If only that stuck around for a bit more time. I feel like it struggles balancing all of it's plot points that even a 2 hour runtime isn't enough to let all of the plots breath through some of them does have potential like the undercover cop being set within the crime gang, some of the relationships the main character has between the family members or syndicate developing through the film. Like we have plots that contain terrorism, crime family, spy finding his soul and a friendship with the boss’s young son. It should work with it's runtime but cannot find a way to let all of these work together effectively. Shame that the main character isn't interesting to really care about despite the actor's best effort with his performance. It's whenever it focuses on the action, that's where it does pick up thanks to the cinematography and filming. Even with it's pacing and writing issues, i was still able to enjoy the film for it's action and cinematography. If you want to do a double feature action film with a taste of the French in there, Netflix is the place for you.

"AKA" mixes action, with a rather scathing commentary on organised private and political crime. The organised criminal organisation the lead character, a special forces operative, is tasked with infiltrating, conceals a crime, perpetrated by the French political establishment. The question then becomes, who are the bigger criminals? Underlying this is a commentary on how children are treated by those, at least superficially, claiming the moral high ground. This is a well made film that combines copious, polished action with a underlying tale on the often opaque line between criminality and the state. In Frances case, its often brutal and yes, criminal role, in nations in Africa. I will add this is a surprisingly complex, multi layered film, so you really do have to pay attention. In summary, lots of well paced, polished action, quality acting, combined with complex back story. For my money, a sophisticated, thought provoking watch.