MOVIE REVIEW
Tchao Pantin (So Long, Stooge)
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Drama
Year Released: 1983, 2024 Radiance Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Claude Berri
Writer(s): Claude Berri, Alain Page
Cast: Coluche, Agnès Soral, Richard Anconina, Mahmoud Zemmouri, Philippe Léotard, Ahmed Ben Smail
Where To Watch: available July 30, 2024; pre-order here www.radiancefilms.co.uk, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the shadow-draped corners of Paris' 18th district, TCHAO PANTIN reveals a gripping history woven through the lives of Lambert (Coluche,) a lonely night attendant at a gas station, and Bensoussan (Richard Anconina,) a young drug dealer battling desperation. From their first unforeseen encounter, a bond forms that defies their contrasting worlds, igniting a story of redemption and reckoning.

The visual mastery of TCHAO PANTIN is undeniable. Cinematographer Bruno Nuytten paints with a palette of shadows and light, using the dim glow of streetlamps and the veil of rain to dramatize the turmoil within our protagonists. This visual storytelling reinforces the film’s neo-noir flavor, enveloping the viewer in a cinematic experience that’s both haunting and aesthetically seductive.

The core of TCHAO PANTIN is its intricate character dynamics. What starts as a chance meeting between Lambert and Bensoussan evolves into a deep, almost family-like connection. Lambert, seeing a reflection of his past sorrows in Bensoussan, is drawn into a narrative spiral that pushes him from passive observer to active avenger, spurred by unfolding threats and a climactic tragedy.

Under Claude Berri’s direction, the emotional landscape of TCHAO PANTIN is steered with deft sensitivity and profound insight. Coluche’s portrayal of Lambert is transformative, revealing a depth of emotion and resilience that marks a departure from his known comedic persona. His performance and vital supporting roles from Agnès Soral as Lola and Philippe Léotard’s portrayal of Bauer enrich the film’s narrative.

The balance TCHAO PANTIN strikes between a penetrating character study and the harsh realism of a crime drama is meticulously crafted. As Lambert confronts the shadows of his past and the specters of his present, the film explores themes of loss, redemption, and the harsh pursuit of meaning in an indifferent world. This culmination not only underscores the personal cost of vengeance but also the broader existential battles faced by the characters.

Berri’s Paris acts as a decayed, drenched, and brooding character in its own right. The city's grimy facades and rain-slicked alleys are not merely sets but active elements in the story, reflecting the internal chaos of the characters and adding a layer of depth to the film’s atmosphere.

TCHAO PANTIN's acclaim, underscored by multiple César Awards, speaks to its resonance within and beyond French cinema. The performances, particularly those of Coluche and Anconina, challenge and expand their established artistic contours, offering audiences a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is visually compelling.

TCHAO PANTIN is a profound exploration of human connection, crafted through masterful performances and direction. It challenges the viewer to reflect on the complexities of friendship and the costs of societal ills, leaving a lasting impact that transcends the confines of its narrative.

Bonus Materials
4K restoration by Pathé approved by cinematographer Bruno Nyutten
Uncompressed mono PCM audio
Once Upon a Time… Tchao Pantin - A documentary on the film featuring interviews with writer-director Claude Berri, novelist Alain Page, stars Richard Anconina, Mahmoud Zemmouri, Agnés Soral, cinematographer Bruno Nyutten and others (2003, 55 mins)
Trailer
Newly improved English subtitle translation
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Filippo Di Battista
Limited edition booklet featuring new writing by Manuela Lazic

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[photo courtesy of RADIANCE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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