‘Les Misérables’ Trailer: Amazon Studios & Ladj Ly’s Portrayal Of The French Riots To Be Oscar Contender

During 2005, Paris and other French cities saw rioting as those of North African and African descent fought back against the Police and the Government, here we look at one of those poorer districts in Paris in “Les Misérables.” The film is directed by Ladj Ly, who is originally from Mali, tackles the riots head-on as well as looks at the high tensions caused by the rioting. The project is also his feature-length debut, having previously worked on a short called “The Pitiful,” which relates directly to “Les Mis.”

The premise is of a young man named Stéphane (played by Damien Bonnard of “Staying Vertical” and “Dunkirk”) joining an anti-crime brigade in Paris, and he soon discovers the tensions that have been created between the different neighborhoods. He is partnered with Chris (Alexis Manenti, as seen in “The Last Panthers”) and Gwada (Djibril Zonga from “C’est tout pour Moi”) who use unorthodox methods to keep the district in check.

This was shown at the Cannes Film Festival this year, and in Caroline Tsai’s review wonders why the story was focussed on the police, “It’s somewhat of a shame that Ly elides most of the young civilians, instead of aligning the camera’s perspective with the police squad.” She continues, “’Les Misérables’ seems inclined to blame the system, not the pawns.”

Regardless of the stance that Ly has taken with his film, it has been put forward by France as their official Oscar submission in the Foreign Language Film Competition, beating the critically acclaimed “Portrait Of A Lady On Fire.” While some are quick to question France’s decision, it should be known that this film deals with modern-day conflict, and the tensions between law enforcement and minority groups in Paris, something which has been supported by some of France’s top filmmakers. It will also be the first time that France has put forward a black filmmaker for the award.

Alongside the three partners, there are roles for Issa Perica, Steve Tientcheu (“Jungle Jihad”), and Jeanne Balibar (“Barbara”).

Here is the synopsis:

Stéphane, has recently joined the Anti-Crime squad in Montfermeil, a sensitive district of the Paris projects. Paired up with Chris and Gwada, whose methods are sometimes unorthodox, he rapidly discovers the tensions between the various neighborhood groups. When the trio finds themselves overrun during the course of an arrest, a drone begins filming every move they make.

The film will be released next year on January 10. Watch the new trailer below.