l'empire des loups

http://www.linternaute.com/cinema/film/598/l_empire_des_loups.shtml
http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=55721.html

I can't deny it being a thrilling mysterious action film. There's no doubt in Jean Reno's acting, the two other main characters -- Arly Jover and Jocelyn Quivrin, comparably much younger but definitely not any weaker -- captivate firmly my attention with both their skills and charm. The only thing I have problem with -- well, not really a problem but it makes me wonder -- is why o why ethnicities and religions are more than often inseparable. Growing up in Taiwan where the Han race dominates and Taoism or Buddhism being the deeply rooted cultural phenomenons, Taiwanese are however surprisingly accepting of foreign cultures and religions -- here I mean accepting without mystifying (perhaps still with ignorance or misunderstading, but well...). So really, I often find religious topics rather distant. Back to the film, though not my usual genre it does satisfy me to a certain pleasing extent: despite high standards of acting and action, every character has his/her own life story to tell and each is developed to a level that's perfectly woven into the unravelling of the plot. The story also takes us on a journey of physical distance, showing the streets of Paris and that of Istanbul (I hope my memory is right for this one). Interestingly probing the hardship of (illegal) immigrants in Paris versus meaningless high life/unscrupulous politicians also living in the same happy city. Great atmosphere and colour, a variety of different angles and zooms of portraits to deliver emotions... it has all the elements to be a hit, so just enjoy it.