Coup de Torchon
Coup de Torchon

Movie spotlight

Coup de Torchon

1981
Movie
128 min
French

A pathetic police chief, humiliated by everyone around him, suddenly wants a clean slate in life, and resorts to drastic means to achieve it.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Alexandre ArcadyGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

In French Guiana, a corrupt police chief and his associates exploit the local population through extortion and violence. When a rival gang starts encroaching on their territory, a brutal power struggle erupts, leading to escalating bloodshed and chaos. The film explores the moral decay and desperation that grip this lawless outpost.

Critical Reception

Coup de Torchon received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising its gritty atmosphere and strong performances, particularly from Gérard Lanvin and Johnny Hallyday. While some found the plot overly violent or predictable, others commended its unflinching portrayal of corruption and lawlessness in a remote setting. The film was a moderate commercial success in France.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense atmosphere and effective lead performances.

  • Criticized by some for its graphic violence and formulaic crime elements.

  • Appreciated for its dark depiction of corruption in a remote setting.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Coup de Torchon are scarce and difficult to find. When available, they tend to highlight the film's bleak and violent nature, with some viewers appreciating its raw intensity and others finding it too disturbing.

Fun Fact

The film is notably one of the few where iconic French rock star Johnny Hallyday took on a significant acting role, playing a menacing villain.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I did really quite enjoy Philippe Noiret's performance here, but I couldn't help but wonder if Sir Peter Ustinov wouldn't have had fun with this part too. It's all set in French West Africa just before the start of WWII. His town is a small...