Paris by Night (2012)

A French crime drama plunging into the corrupt heart of Parisian nightlife, where one police commander walks a razor's edge between law and shadow.

Paris by Night - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Une nuit
  • Release Year: 2012
  • Directed by: Philippe Lefebvre
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Crime, Drama
  • Runtime: 1h 40m
  • Original Language: French
  • Spoken Languages: French
  • Release Date (Theatrical): January 4, 2012 (France)
  • Production Companies: Les Films Manuel Munz
  • Production Countries: France

Paris by Night - Plot

Police commander Simon Weiss, head of the division that supervises Paris's demi-monde, starts out on his nightly tour of bars, discos and strip clubs, making sure once again that the owners don't bend the rules too far. Weiss knows he's between a rock and hard place: it's obvious that criminal gangs run rampant in his special domain, and even more obvious that they're protected by higher-ups in the department.

Paris by Night - Trailer

See the nocturnal world of Simon Weiss come alive in the official trailer:

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Paris by Night - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Philippe Lefebvre

Main Cast

  • Roschdy Zem
  • Samuel Le Bihan
  • Grégory Fitoussi
  • Jean-Pierre Martins
  • Jean-Paul Muel
  • Sara Forestier
  • Jean-Christophe Bouvet
  • Kamel Labroudi
  • Sophie Broustal
  • Gérald Laroche

Writers

  • Philippe Lefebvre

Paris by Night - FAQs

What is Paris by Night about?

Paris by Night follows Simon Weiss, a police commander overseeing the French capital's shadowy nightlife — bars, strip clubs, and discos. Caught between criminal gangs who run his territory and corrupt superiors who protect them, Weiss must navigate a single dangerous night with no easy way out.

Does Paris by Night have a happy ending?

Paris by Night leans into the gritty, morally ambiguous tradition of French crime cinema. Without giving too much away, the film doesn't offer easy resolutions — Weiss's world is one of compromises and consequences, and the ending reflects that bleak, unsparing tone throughout.

Where can you stream Paris by Night?

You can stream Paris by Night on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube if you prefer a digital purchase.

Who plays Simon Weiss in Paris by Night?

Roschdy Zem plays Simon Weiss, the morally conflicted police commander at the heart of the story. Zem is one of France's most respected actors, known for his intense, understated performances, and he brings real weight and complexity to this role.

Who directed Paris by Night?

Philippe Lefebvre directed Paris by Night and also wrote the screenplay. The film marks his confident command of the French crime genre, blending atmospheric nocturnal visuals with a tightly wound narrative about institutional corruption and street-level power.

Is Paris by Night based on a true story?

Paris by Night is an original fictional story written by director Philippe Lefebvre. While it draws on the very real dynamics of organized crime, police corruption, and Parisian nightlife culture, the characters and specific events are not based on documented real-world cases.

What are some movies similar to Paris by Night?

If Paris by Night hits the spot, try 36th Precinct (2004) or Rogue City (2020) for more gritty French police drama. A Gang Story (2011) and Only the Animals (2019) are also strong picks, while Belly (1998) offers a stylish international take on crime and loyalty.

How was Paris by Night received by critics?

Paris by Night earned solid praise for its atmospheric depiction of Parisian nightlife and Roschdy Zem's commanding lead performance. Critics highlighted the film's moody tension and its unflinching look at police corruption, placing it firmly within the tradition of quality French crime cinema.

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