A woman loses control after realizing she cannot recognize her own husband. Meanwhile, another mutilated body is found by the police who suspect a serial-killer is on the loose. Such is the plot of French director Chris Nahon’s captivating thriller L’empire des Loups (The Empire of Wolves) set against the exotic backdrop of Paris’ Turkish ghetto. Adapted from journalist-turned-author Jean-Christophe Grangé’s fourth novel, the film is brilliantly photographed and deserves praise for its plot twists, action and tension – much of it reminiscent of Hitchcock. Leading man Jean Reno (Leon, Mission Impossible) offers a restrained performance as always, but is let down by co-stars (Bas, Jover and Quivrin) who grate on the nerves and considerably lessen the impact of an otherwise enjoyable romp.
Gaumont/Columbia TriStar Films

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
November 2005 issue



Guanzhou Chief editor: Christopher Cottrell
November 2005 issue