The Big Pardon
The Bettoun clan: Raymond (the patriarch), Maurice (the son), Jacky (the nephew), Roland (the nephew), Albert (Raymond's cousin), Pépé (Raymond's friend), Samy (the bodyguard) are a family clan of Jewish Blackfoot kingpins of French organized crime. Their activities include running casinos, organizing underground boxing matches, illegal gambling, pimping, racketeering and bloody settlements of scores against other Arab and French clans. But in the shadows, Pascal Villars has sworn the loss of the Bettoun. He will succeed in setting the Arab clan against the Jewish clan, for the great benefit of the police commissioner Duché, who has been trying in vain for ten years to bring down the Bettouns.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, recently released from prison after serving time for a crime he claims he didn't commit, returns to his small hometown. He seeks to rebuild his life and clear his name, but he faces prejudice and distrust from the community. His efforts are further complicated by a powerful local figure who wants to keep the truth buried.
Critical Reception
The Big Pardon received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often cited its predictable plot and melodramatic tone. While some performances were acknowledged, the film was largely seen as a formulaic made-for-television movie.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its earnest attempt at a dramatic story.
- Criticized for its unoriginal storyline and heavy-handed message.
- Performances were generally considered adequate but not groundbreaking.
Google audience: Audience reception information for 'The Big Pardon (1982)' is not widely available through Google user reviews.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
John Schneider, who plays the protagonist, was simultaneously starring in the popular TV series 'The Dukes of Hazzard' around the time this film was released.
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