In the world of movies, it is common to see police officers portrayed as heroic and stern figures who go to great lengths to uphold justice and bring criminals to justice. However, The Takedown takes a unique approach in its portrayal of two police officers with contrasting personalities who embark on a mission to uncover a major crime involving powerful individuals.
The Takedown, a 2021 action-comedy-crime movie directed by Louis Leterrier, follows the story of Ousmane Diakite, a commissioner in the criminal division of Paris, and Francois Monge, who has been transferred to a police station due to the events of the prequel, On the Other Side of the Tracks, which was released a decade ago. Ousmane is now a rising star in the police force after successfully capturing a fugitive. The police department decides to use him as an icon and make him the face of their branding efforts. Meanwhile, Francois is undergoing therapy when he suddenly stumbles upon a dismembered body at the train station. As a team of crime division detectives, Ousmane takes on the case, but Francois insists on joining him. The two police officers with different personalities and traits then team up after a decade and travel to a small town to solve the case.
As they investigate, they discover that the severed body they found belongs to Kevin Marchal, who was involved in a drug ring in the town. Along with the help of Alice, a local police commissioner, they search for witnesses and find that many people were involved in the drug scandal. However, they also begin to suspect the involvement of the town’s police commissioner, Mercier, who appears to want to cover up the case. They also come across Brunner, the town’s racist mayor, who seems to have a grudge against minorities such as Ousmane. After they uncover evidence of Mercier and Brunner’s involvement in the case, they report them to Alice, unaware that she is actually an ally of Brunner.
Despite being beyond their jurisdiction, Ousmane and Francois continue to pursue Brunner’s nefarious plans, which involve a plot to kill immigrants and minority groups in the town. In a thrilling chase scene, they corner Brunner and his accomplices, but Alice arrives to protect Brunner. When Brunner activates a bomb he planted in a shelter for immigrant groups, Ousmane and Francois race against time to evacuate everyone from the shelter. Brunner is captured, and after completing their mission together, Ousmane and Francois’ relationship improves, and they become friends once again.
Throughout the 119-minute movie, viewers can expect to be constantly entertained by the comedic elements of the film. Whether it be through the humorous actions of the characters or the witty exchanges that happen between them, the movie offers a delightful mix of action and comedy. The police officers’ funny antics, including their quirky personalities, dialogues, and even their shooting and car chase scenes, make for a lighthearted viewing experience.
Overall, The Takedown combines action, comedy, and crime elements to create an enjoyable and engaging theatrical experience. With a unique storyline, well-rounded characters, and hilarious comic relief, it is no wonder that The Takedown is a movie that is well worth watching.
