Let's be realistic.

disgusting, overrated, pointless

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The story of french gangster Jacques Mesrine, before he was called Public Enemy N°1. Mesrine Part 1: Killer Instinct succeeds thanks to a great and haunting performance by Vincent Cassel who is easily the best part of the movie both as a character and as an actor. The rest of the cast does a pretty good job too such as Gérard Depardieu as Guido and Elena Anaya as Sofia. The action is really good and if you're into Gangster movies such as myself you won't be disappointed of course the film is not perfect it has some pacing issues and some moments feel kinda unrealistic if you ask me but as a French picture it's pretty damn good and Cassel gives his best performance in his entire career. (7/10)

Ah, the French. Known for their intense thrillers that leave you jumping on the edge of your seats. The crash zooms, the guns, the artsy fartsy... anyway, back to Mesrine: Killer Instinct Pt. 1. I was impressed, it fulfilled my expectations of a crime thriller. It shocked me in some parts, it left me wanting more in others. I felt the characters (especially Mesrine's) were a bit dull, and didn't leave me feeling sympathetic or apathetic. I felt like I was a blank canvas being forced to watch a guy spilling his life out on screen. The story I felt was a little rushed; everything about this man's life was crammed together in 2 hours. It just wasn't enough time. I forgot about characters, I wondered about characters, I wondered why we were introduced to some at all, it didn't feel right. Yes, some aspects of the story were great and truly mesmerizing, but the film as a whole just didn't add to that. In terms of the production; cinematography was beautiful, abstract and a little more inviting. I felt like I was in a psychedelic world in some scenes. I don't want say this, but the film turned into a 'Taken' towards the end. It forgot about the story and spiraled out into this over the top, unnecessary ending. This is an entertaining film, but it's ego- tistical story isn't it's greatest point.

The simple thought that a man like Mesrine really existed is terrifying. A complete and ideal criminal, slick, resourceful, always calm and ready to impact his environment in the worst sense, while always being in control of the outcome. Well, almost always. I've heard about Mesrine before watching this fine movie. And I have to say, it left me slightly disappointed. Some of the crucial details were left out. But I find that reasonable cause some 500 year old countries don't have as much history as this man had. Nor did they impact the world as this man did. A true bad ass that took a small part in shaping the modern media, French laws and pop culture in general. And got nicknamed "The Man of a thousand Faces" in the process. Oh yeah. He actually found time to write an autobiography during his stay at the prison which eventually forced the French government to push the "Son of Sam" law, forbidding the publishment of books written by known criminals. Clyde, you have been shotgunned by the Frenchy in every way.The notion that "L'instinct de mort" leaves behind is definitely a romantic one. This movie is made to be popular and more "user friendly". I could not shake off the feeling that Vincent Cassel was the best man for the job, at any given moment of this movie. Great work. He totally pulled it off. Especially the parts where Mesrine gets caught in fishy situations and when his calmness absolutely shines. Vincent made it look SO easy. The movie constantly introduced new characters and every single one of them was special in their own way. The feminine characters that associated with Mesrine all proved fatal to this Byronic hero. Everything about them is made short but full, easy to understand. This movie also intrigued me with the sudden termination of what seemed to be critical figures in Mesrines life, giving everything a more realistic taste. Something like terminating Leo DiCaprio in Departed. Its done, deal with it, move on. The side of the movie that deals with the media reminded me of Tarantinos "Natural born killers". Mickey and Malorey equal Jacques and Jeanne.Once again, I have been reassured that French movies are the hot stuff. As I mentioned before, this movie is "user friendly" all the way and the thing about French movies is that I never had any problem about being picky to whom I am going to recommend them. In the end, everybody loves 'em. So do I. Can't wait to see the second part tonight!

"Mesrine: Killer Instinct" is the first movie of a two-part saga on real-life gangster Jacques Mesrine. The second part is called "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1". I saw both of them in the theaters, and was blown away. I didn't know contemporary French cinema could actually make good (and serious) gangster movies. Well now it's done.In real life, Jacques Mesrine is certainly the most famous gangster in France along with Albert Spaggiari whose life and criminal activities are also astonishing, and whose anti-hero Robin-Hood-like status in popular opinion is as strong. Naturally, both of these gangsters' heists and feats have been adapted on screen numerous times, in fairly disappointing movies, but "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" (let's just call it "Mesrine") is to this date the only film about one of these gangsters which truly is good and may actually stand the test of time. I don't think there will be another movie about Mesrine in a while, because it will be hard to top this one.All you need to know about the plot is that it's about a real-life gangster known for his heists and numerous prison escapes, which made him a sort of cult anti-hero. Vincent Cassel as a rebel Mesrine with a strong personality is obviously great, as are all the main actors, who were already famous in francophone cinema and with reason. The movie follows Mesrine's adventures in Algeria, France, Spain, Quebec and the USA, making it a fun ride. It briefly addresses political issues of the Algerian War, Quebec independence and living conditions in federal prisons, making it somewhat of a historical film. The political issue actually culminates in the second part of the saga when Mesrine, in an attempt to glorify his image, tries to justify his actions with political strife, although truthfully he's just a very talented thief. The movie's pace is interesting throughout, and we get to see the first half of a gangster's life unravel as his notoriety gets stronger. I do have one criticism : the movie sometimes skips scenes important to the plot. In one scene he's about to rob a bank, and in the next he's in prison. There are many more examples like this throughout the movie and it's somewhat frustrating. I guess the filmmakers didn't feel it was necessary to show how he was caught, or they didn't have the budget, but I would have preferred 10 minutes more of film for a clearer continuity.Some commentators have accused "Mesrine" of ripping off American gangster films. I personally fail to see how. This movie has a very French feeling to it, it's more raw and realistic, it doesn't rely on a majestic soundtrack, dark cinematography, or mobster stereotypes, the likes of "The Godfather", "The Untouchables", "Goodfellas", "Road to Perdition", "The Departed" or others. I love these American films which are all original in their own way, and "Mesrine"'s approach is just as different as each of these great films. I'd be more willing to compare "Mesrine" with another more recent (and great) French gangster film, "A Prophet", which bears the same typical French or European style.Anyway, "Mesrine: Killer Instinct" is a great gangster film which I recommend to all. I prefer it to it's second part "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" but one should see both of them.