“District B13” (2004) directed by Pierre Morel, starring David Belle & Cyril Raffaelli / Z-View

District B13 (2004)

Director: Pierre Morel

Screenplay: Luc Besson, Bibi Naceri

Stars: David Belle, Cyril Raffaelli, Tony D’Amario and Dany Verissimo-Petit.

Tagline: Welcome to District B13 Welcome to the future

The Plot…

Three years ago crime became so bad in some Paris suburbs the government built high guarded walls around the troubled districts.  Heavily armed police man checkpoints in and out.  District B13 is one of them.

Leïto (Belle) lives in the district.  He does what he can to oppose the gangs.  After Leïto destroyed one of their drug shipments, the gang targeted him for execution.

When a nuclear bomb is stolen and tracked to District B13, Damien Tomaso (Raffaelli), an undercover cop, is sent in.  The bomb will explode in 24 hours.  Once in, Tomaso finds himself in an uneasy alliance with Leïto.  Millions of lives are at stake and the clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

I’m surprised District B13 doesn’t get more love.  It’s a fun action film with charismatic leads. The fight scenes are inventive.  Oh, and did I mention it features parkour?  That should be no surprise since it stars David Belle who is credited with being one of the fathers of the sport.

District B13 spawned a sequel, District 13: Ultimatum and an American remake, Brick Mansions which starred Paul Walker with David Belle (reprising his role).  It was Paul Walker’s final film.

District B13 was directed by Pierre Morel in his directorial debut.  Morel followed District B13 by helming Taken and From Paris with Love, both movies that I recommend.

District B13 (2004) rates 4 of 5 stars.