Department 36

You can't expect a bad film from Olivier Marchal. Department 36 is an excellent French crime thriller focusing more on rivalry and backstabbing between cops, but all this is so gripping that the film won't let you breathe a sigh of relief, and all this accompanied by an excellent cast (the film has all the stars from France, only Vincent Cassel and Jean Reno are missing). I've never seen a better police story. Very good. 80%. (11/01/2015)

The professional experience of a cop and the talent of a filmmaker (bravo Marchale!) combine to create a compelling crime drama that reminded me in its mood of the old Delon movies and the crime films made in France in the 1970s. The film stands on an engaging plot, the excellent performances of two of the most prominent personalities of French cinema today (I like Auteuil more and more from film to film, and Depardieu is very believable as a villain) and a raw realistic atmosphere starting with solidly shot action scenes and ending with the production design. French cinema as I like it is still alive!! Fuck Besson’s disposable production prefabs :) (29/10/2005)

It is absolutely necessary to engage in the creators' game – 36th Precinct is a very tough crime story from the old school, set in a modern visual style. Those who do not accept this will be bored. Although I also experienced it in the beginning and was surprised by the high average rating here, over time it becomes increasingly easier to believe in Gerard Depardieu's cold eyes that ominous desire for power, and on the contrary, to deduce from Daniel Auteil's that despite all his unacceptable transgressions, at his core he is about doing good. This makes the twists in the final act have an even greater impact on the viewer, where at several points I admired how uncompromising the screenwriters were. (17/03/2007)

The French once again delivered an excellent and dark old-school detective film. These are exactly the kinds of films I adore. I don’t know why, but crime films from the land of the Gallic rooster have something that really appeals to me. They always have a knack for selecting the right actors for the main roles, and this film was no exception. Depardieu was amazing, portraying a police officer who doesn’t adhere to police ethics, with the concept of justice meaning nothing to him. Meanwhile, Auteuil played his opposite—a policeman fighting crime using all legal means. The film is filled with gripping pace that gradually builds. Some scenes were phenomenal, but at times, it felt like the film got a bit stuck. However, I found these moments to be very few. A great detective film that I give 80%. (20/08/2016)

36th Precinct gives you a whiff of the good old days, when all those Gabins, Venturas and Delons were swarming in front of French movie cameras. On the one hand, we have an excellent central pair of actors, a coldly raw story (which may turn out well, but may just as well turn into a tragic slaughter) and an unenviable oppressive atmosphere. On the other hand, there is an effort by the director and screenwriter(s) to make the film "watchable" for everyone, including the younger generation, and so the calm pace is disturbed by almost unnecessary action inserts for my taste.... And as much as I'd like to, I won't give it a fifth star for that. Nevertheless, the film is excellent. And I especially bow to Depardieu. (04/12/2010)