District 13 Ultimatum [DVD]

 

 

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I am dead chuffed with this film, heard so much about it with it being David Belle n all. Amazing film, would certainly recommend this to anyone who practices the art of movement (Parkour/Freerunning) :)

Not the worst sequal I've seen. There's a lot more plot and less action than the first movie, it's still breathtaking what those guys get up to though.
But, the English dub!? Did they just use some English speaking mates and offer them a tenner? It's really poor all round. Your probably better listening to the French and reading subtitles than the dodgy dub. It sounds like all the voices were performed by 4 college students.

I'm a firm believer that you should not go watching sequels before you have seen the first movie, sadly this was not an option available to me when I watched District 13: Ultimatum (Banlieue 13 - Ultimatum). Luckily for me the movie was so cleverly pieced together that if you had not caught the first its not going to be an issue, no catching up on story, no hidden riddles; Ultimatum sits happily as a stand alone movie.

D13: Ultimatum mixes the action movie with the wonder of Parkour, creating an enticing visual spectacle that continuously finds you asking, "How the hell did they do that?" The fight scenes and stunts are quite simply some of the best I have seen, working against an alien Parisian background, the film takes what could be viewed as a potentially normal looking action movie to a whole different level. The action is incredibly well choreographed whether jumping from roof to roof, to fighting with an almost priceless Van Gogh painting which turns from being unpleasant looking work of art to the ultimate weapon.

Story wise it's simplistic story telling, which to someone who does not speak French is possibly not a bad thing. This is not a criticism of the movie but plain straightforward good sense. Thrillers, comedies, and horror movies all work very well in another language with onscreen subtitles, but an action movie does not always have the same effect; lines are often spouted out in quick succession in action movies not always allowing you to enjoy the visual spectacle unfolding on screen. D13 allows you to enjoy the action without bogging you down with unnecessary dialogue. Thankfully the DVD takes care of those that do not like their movies in a pure form, and has a dubbed English version, this allows the movie to be enjoyed by the biggest possible audience, an option not so commonly used now days.

There is a lot of humour in the movie, a little cheesy in places but in a cheeky fashion. Director Patrick Alessandrin (and of course screenwriter Luc Besson) seem keen to show their comic side, when you first meet Damien he is disguised (fairly badly) as a geisha girl, while his head is clearly masculine a lot of time is spent focussing on his waxed feminine flesh; it's a prime example of one of those situations that is so wrong, but incredibly amusing.

The performances are good David Belle, and Cyril Raffaelli both prove you can be physically well trained and deliver a convincing acting performance. Supporting performers such as Elodie Yung who plays the movies action woman add real sparkle, while MC Jean Gab'1 who plays gang boss Molko offers a real feeling of menace and fairness

You could say the French movie industry is a little overlooked, and to be fair the French are not known for their action movies, however D13: Ultimatum is a rare exception to the rule. It's easily as addictive as Luc Besson's Nikita, not quite so deep but incredibly compelling to watch. The inclusion of Parkour means that with the original movie an obvious exception there is nothing that quite looks like this, it's an instant, identifiable, unique looking movie that while not gaining Blockbuster status will ultimately enjoy a somewhat cult following. One thing is for sure, having seen this I immediately hopped online to order the original movie, and I'm sure countless others will to; for fans of the original this will be the must have purchase of the year. D13 is one of the most interesting action movies of the year, its just a shame that it never got a little more limelight while not being completely perfect it's a most enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Fun French action film, but watch it in French, not dubbed
A sequel to 2004's "District 13 B".

As with the original, this has some amazing, almost balletic stunts
clearly done by the actors themselves, who are in this... Read more

Published 2 months ago by K. Gordon

1.0 out of 5 stars Great Film destroyed
I first saw this film on TV in Germany and was so impressed by the stunts, action and story I wanted to get it in english. Read more

Published 5 months ago by MikeB64

4.0 out of 5 stars Great film
This is a French film and filmed in French :( There is an English dub :)
Great film. Interesting story carrying over from the first film. Recommend watching that first.

Published 8 months ago by Will P

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent
if you like french films this will be a one for you the stunts are brilliant the first one is just as good if you havent seen it its a must watch superb

Published 9 months ago by dc

5.0 out of 5 stars District 13 DVD,
This DVD is fantastic, good picture and audio, the delivery came ealier than the time projected. It is an excellent service and product.District 13 - Ultimatum [DVD] [2009]

Published 10 months ago by MR ISAAC

1.0 out of 5 stars awful service
Despite the fact that the owner said that s/he sent the DVD a second time, I still haven't received it. Read more

Published 10 months ago by D

5.0 out of 5 stars A different one
This movie is worth seeing and buying its something different and enjoyable to watch, so put your items of junk food and get comfy with your feet up. Read more

Published 14 months ago by Robyn B. Mcgorm

5.0 out of 5 stars District 13 Ultimatum
Fab film, greatly enhances anyone's appreciation for the French and their sense of humour. Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle are astonishing as all action heroes and the story line... Read more

Published 17 months ago by AC Graham

2.0 out of 5 stars Fun but...........
This was an entertaining film until the final 5 minutes when there was an incredible rush to wind everything up in a shmaltzy american way which was way off believable. Read more

Published 18 months ago by John G. Lynch

1.0 out of 5 stars Do not believe the hype. This is awful.
I can't believe anyone here can suggest this AWFUL, LAZY sequel was better than the first!!! What?!! OMG. Read more

Published 20 months ago by Benito

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