Philippe Haim Movies

Two people find their lives taking unexpected turns dictated by the war on terror in this thriller from French writer and director Philippe Haim. Diane (Vahina Giocante) has turned her back on life as a streetwalker and is working towards a new career as an Arabic translator. However, when Diane does poorly on an important exam, she's approached by Alex (Gerard Lanvin), a French intelligence operative, who wants her to become an undercover agent. Once in the field, Diane is soon chasing the minions of terrorist leader Al-Barad (Simon Abkarian) after two fellow agents (Medhi Nebbou and Rachida Brakni) are unable to get to the bottom of a plot to smuggle a powerful bomb into France. Meanwhile, Pierre (Nicolas Duvauchelle) is a dope dealer who is suspected of having ties to terrorists; when he's thrown in jail, he's treated with such brutality that he turns against the French government and begins working with a violent band of Muslim extremists. Secret Defense (aka Secrets of State) also features Aurelien Wiik, Nicolas Marie and Katia Lewkowicz. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

A crime comedy that pays sly tribute to spy films of the 1960s, Comme Un Poisson Hors De L'Eau (aka Like a Fish Out of Water concerns Desire (Michel Muller), the nervous and bookish son of a prominent restaurateur. Desire has been corresponding with a lovely Italian woman, Myrtille (Monica Bellucci), who has accepted his offer of marriage. But when she arrives, Desire is surprised to discover that she's brought along a couple of friends, BB (Tcheky Karyo) and Melvin (Dominique Pinon). It seems Desire is an expert on exotic fish, and Myrtille and her friends are actually con artists who draft him into an elaborate scheme to rip off a Turkish gangster with an interest in rare aquatic species. Comme Un Poisson Hors De L'Eau marks the directorial debut of Herve Hadmar, who previously distinguished himself as a graphic artist; Michel Muller, who plays Desire, also co-wrote the film's screenplay. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Five different shorts devoted to the theme of "fantasy" are featured in this compilation film that includes Double Jeu by Emmanuel Oberg, La Vis by Didier Flamand, and Descente by Philippe Haïm. Most fascinating in itself is the importance of "image" in its own right, the radically different styles of the five shorts, and the themes related to the occult and increasingly popular video games that reflect contemporary interests. Because of the subject matter, Certains L'Aiment Court would be most appreciated by aficionados of the fantasy genre. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Neo-Naziism in modern France provides the framework for this evocative French drama based on a true story. The story begins in prison as Roland Resse is being beaten to a pulp by his peers. Resse's crime is not initially mentioned. How he came to be there provides the basis for the film. Resse was a shy and awkward boy when he went to a rural village in responds to a want-ad for farm hands. He is hired for a trial period by Madame Dietrich who sends him to Madame Martine to rent a room. Madame Martin attempts to help Resse become more sure of himself. Resse is a loner though and it is only after Dietrich demands he eat with the other help that he joins their table. He is a devout vegetarian. Roger becomes his friend. Roger is a racist who suggests Resse keep his opinions secret. Resse is eventually inducted into a nearby chapter of Neo-Nazis where he finds work. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi