1995 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies’ of All Time
1995 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies’ of All Time
Nina DerwinWed, April 22, 2026 at 12:29 AM UTC
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In 1995, an edgy, evocative French film premiered that would leave a lasting mark on global cinema.
La Haine, directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, has since been ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its undeniable lasting cultural and critical impact.
Set in the suburbs of Paris, the film follows three young men. Vinz, Saïd and Hubert, over the course of 24 hours in the aftermath of a violent riot sparked by police brutality. As tensions simmer, the story unfolds as a raw and unflinching portrayal of life on the margins, exploring themes of inequality, anger and systemic injustice.
Shot in striking black and white, La Haine uses its visual style to heighten the sense of realism and urgency. The film's gritty aesthetic, combined with its powerful performances, creates an atmosphere that feels both immediate and deeply unsettling.
"When you look at black-and-white footage from the war, it changes when you see that footage put in color," Kassovitz told BFI. "What black and white does is bring poetry into reality. That's why when you do a movie about poverty where you don't have control over the environment and things are supposed to be ugly, it's very difficult. It costs a lot of money to make it look good. But it doesn’t cost anything to make it look good in black and white. If I showed you La Haine in color, it's horrible."
Rather than offering easy answers, Kassovitz presents a snapshot of a society on edge, where frustration and hopelessness can quickly spiral into violence. Its famous closing line underscores the film's central message about cycles of conflict and the consequences of ignoring deeper societal issues: "It's not how you fall that matters. It's how you land."
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Upon its release, La Haine was widely acclaimed, winning the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival and earning recognition as one of the most important films of its generation.
Decades later, the film continues to resonate with audiences around the world, remaining a touchstone for discussions about social justice and urban life.
"It's extraordinary to be able to make something that lasts, even if the problems it confronted are still as sharp," Kassovitz told France 24. "There will always be police brutality. We should be aware of that. We have to remind ourselves it exists. We also have to learn our history and at a certain moment say, 'That's enough.'"
With its inclusion in Rotten Tomatoes' ranking, La Haine stands as a timeless classic—one that continues to challenge, provoke and inspire.
Related: 1973 Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 53 Years Ago Today
This story was originally published by Parade on Apr 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
