Le Choc (1982)
A French crime thriller in which a world-weary hitman attempts to walk away from violence, only to find that his past refuses to let him go.
Le Choc - Movie Information
- Original Title: Le Choc
- Release Year: 1982
- Directed by: Robin Davis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Action, Romance
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: Russian, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 28, 1982 (France), August 19, 1983 (Germany)
- Alternative Titles: 冲撞 (CN), Il bersaglio (IT), Contract In Blood (AU)
- Production Companies: Sara Films, T. Films
- Production Countries: France
Le Choc - Plot
Martin Terrier wants to quit his job as a hired hitman, but his organized crime employers are unwilling to see him turned out to pasture, Terrier knows too much, and he is still useful to the organization. He escapes to the countryside where he meets Claire, and the two soon fall in love. Back in Paris to confront his employers, Terrier learns that they've stolen all his money from the bank. They give him an ultimatum—do one last job for them and he gets his money and his freedom...
Le Choc - Trailer
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Le Choc - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robin Davis
Main Cast
- Alain Delon
- Catherine Deneuve
- Philippe Léotard
- Etienne Chicot
- Jean-Louis Richard
- Catherine Leprince
- François Perrot
- Féodor Atkine
- Franck-Olivier Bonnet
- Myriam Salvodi
Producers
- Alain Sarde
- Alain Terzian
Le Choc - FAQs
What is Le Choc about?
Le Choc follows Martin Terrier, a professional hitman who wants to leave his criminal life behind. After fleeing to the countryside and falling in love with a woman named Claire, he returns to Paris to confront his employers, only to discover they've stolen his money and demand one final job in exchange for his freedom.
Who are the main actors in Le Choc?
Le Choc stars Alain Delon as hitman Martin Terrier and Catherine Deneuve as Claire, the woman he falls for. The supporting cast includes Philippe Léotard, Etienne Chicot, Jean-Louis Richard, Catherine Leprince, François Perrot, and Féodor Atkine.
Is Le Choc based on a true story?
No, Le Choc is not based on a true story. The film is adapted from Jean-Patrick Manchette's 1976 crime novel La Position du tireur couché, a work of fiction that blends noir thriller elements with sharp social commentary on violence and organized crime in France.
Who directed Le Choc?
Le Choc was directed by Robin Davis, a French filmmaker known for working within the crime and thriller genre. The film marked one of his most high-profile productions, benefiting from the star power of Alain Delon and Catherine Deneuve.
What is the ending of Le Choc explained?
In the finale, Terrier completes the job his employers demanded, but the promise of freedom proves hollow as the criminal organization closes in. The ending underscores the film's central theme: once inside the world of contract killing, there is no clean exit, and betrayal is the only currency that matters.
What genre is Le Choc?
Le Choc blends Crime, Action, and Romance. It is a French neo-noir thriller that combines tense hitman drama with a genuine love story, set against a backdrop of organized crime and Cold War-era intrigue in 1980s France.
How long is Le Choc?
Le Choc has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes (100 minutes). The film moves at a brisk pace, balancing action sequences with quieter, character-driven moments between Alain Delon and Catherine Deneuve.
What are some movies similar to Le Choc?
If you enjoyed Le Choc, you might also appreciate First Blood (1982), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), and Scarface (1932), all of which explore themes of violence, loyalty, and the impossibility of escape from a criminal past in similarly gripping fashion.
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