"In this sequel to 2004's District 13 vigilante justice-keepers Damien (Cyril Raffaelli) and Leïto (David Belle) are back in the outer-Paris ghetto of District 13 in order to save the impoverished, violence-riddled community. Controlled by five ruthless gang bosses jostling for ultimate power, District 13 is in dangerous decline. To save those living within, Damien and Leito must restore peace before the city's secret law enforcers take measures into their own hands."
I came upon this film purely by chance. I used to make regular trips to the store to purchase cheap movies that I haven't seen before, spending $100-200 a week (the good old days of cheap rents). Strolling through the bargain bin at the local DVD store, nearly a decade ago now, I happened across this film, and intrigued by the explosions on the cover art, decided to give it a go.
This French film stars parkour artists, David Belle and Cyril Raffaelli, who perform all their own stunts without the need for wires or CGI. that is the simple facet of the film that had me hooked. Practical effects will always come out on top when you pit it against CGI. No matter how good the rendering is, an action scene with everything actually done by the actor will always feel more genuine. Facial expressions, sweat, angles of movement, are all things that can be noticeable if the scene is fabricated.
Not only are the action scenes performed by an actual person, but they are also performed by the actor themselves. With no additional stunt person used (they are stunt people themselves), it actually makes for a tighter choreography in the fight scenes and allows better cinematography as the cameras have a greater area with which to move. Without the need to switch between the actor and stunt person, longer scenes can be shot in one go, and again that heightens the authenticity of each scene.
This is a sequel of course, and if you have seen the original, you will be aware of the setting; a dystopian Paris where the city is split into districts (not dissimilar to The Hunger Games). District 13 itself has a similar vibe in the environment to that of Judge Dredd, with a poverty-stricken area controlled by five gangs that each live atop their own deteriorating skyscraper.
The plot is very simple & cheesy and reeks of sloppy writing. But as an audience member, you don't get a chance to question it. The fast pace never lets up, and from start to finish, you are kept in a state of suspense and tension as you watch these parkour experts take on the man. In all honesty, the final act of the film does struggle to come up with a satisfying resolution and feels a little anti-climactic.
The film tries to bring some themes of racism, class inequality, and governmental corruption, but uses some incredibly stereotypical examples of it, and brings these dissenting groups together in a very convenient way, without conflict. Everything the film attempts to do plot-wise does feel superficial, and in reality, it is. Everything is coordinated to create the most elaborate chase scenes, and it does that well.
For those not in the know, David Belle is considered the founder of Parkour. So know that as far as action and choreography goes, the District 13 franchise shows what the best of the best are capable of doing. It must be said that the plots are largely the same between District 13 and District 13: Ultimatum, and while the "no strings attached" style of action choreography is refreshing in this CGI-age, once you watch one of these films, the other seems less exciting. A must-see in my opinion though, so pick one. District 13 or District 13: Ultimatum. You will be entertained guaranteed.