Is Les Violents Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1958)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Les Violents (1958), audiences are invited back into the world of Mystery. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Pierre Tercelin who used to be a prosperous industrialist is now ruined and embittered, having become a mere lock keeper. A widower, he lives with his daughter Evelyne, a music-hall dancer. Claiming he is being persecuted by his cousin Edgar he gets in touch again with another cousin of his he hates, Bernard, a millionaire gun runner,who is also a victim of Edgar. It must be said that both Pierre and Bernard once caused Edgar to go bankrupt... Pierre offers Bernard to join efforts against Edgar. Soon after, Bernard dies of poison, which is only the first of a series of acts of violence. Tiercelin is shot at while going back home, Bernard's son is gunned down while his sister Luciane disappears. Chief-inspector Malouvier - who oddly enough looks very much like the suspect- investigates...."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Les Violents, even the presence of Paul Meurisse struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Mystery. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Les Violents worth your time? If you appreciate Mystery films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Les Violents misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 92 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.