Cillian Murphy, an acclaimed actor known for his profound roles in films ranging from 28 Days Later to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, recently praised the 1995 French film La Haine as a true masterpiece. Speaking with Letterboxd, Murphy highlighted the film’s enduring impact, noting its continued relevance and powerful social message, which resonates strongly in today’s world.
Murphy’s appreciation for La Haine is especially significant given his selective nature regarding the projects he admires. Despite shunning Hollywood’s spotlight, Murphy’s dedication to meaningful storytelling is reflected in his recognition of this film’s artistic and social importance.
The Continuing Relevance of ‘La Haine’ in Modern Society
During conversations with Letterboxd about his favorite films, Murphy revealed that he has been sharing classic movies with his children, and La Haine stood out to them for its intense portrayal of social issues. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, the film intertwines dynamic storytelling with incisive social critique, making its themes of inequality, unrest, and systemic tension as pertinent as ever.
Taking its name from a phrase by actor Hubert Koundé, “La haine attire la haine!” (“hatred breeds hatred”), the movie’s exploration of social discord remains strikingly relevant. Murphy remarked,
“still speaks to what’s happening in France today.”
This statement underscores how the film continues to reflect current societal struggles.
La Haine follows a day and night in the lives of three friends — Vinz, Hubert, and Saïd — from a disadvantaged neighborhood in Paris, depicting their experiences amid widespread poverty, police violence, and social upheaval. As a stark examination of ongoing economic and political divisions, the film’s message has only grown more important in light of recent events.
How the Film’s Themes Have Shaped Cillian Murphy’s Career Choices
Cillian Murphy’s attraction to roles addressing complex social and political realities mirrors La Haine’s spirit. His portrayals often delve into characters impacted by societal challenges, such as in Neil Jordan’s Breakfast on Pluto, where he played a transgender woman, or his recent work in Small Things Like These, confronting the Irish Magdalene laundries scandal.
Murphy sees a connection between his own performances and the film’s unflinching social commentary. His Oscar-winning role as J. Robert Oppenheimer also reflected a critical perspective on the destructive consequences of war and nuclear power, aligning with the kind of political awareness influenced by films like La Haine.
Reflecting on the film nearly three decades after its release, Murphy’s admiration for La Haine is clear, and it is easy to envision him bringing depth to a character similar to Vincent Cassel’s role as Vinz. Given Murphy’s serious approach to acting and his commitment to meaningful roles, his endorsement of the film as a masterpiece perfectly complements his own artistic ideals.
Principal Cast of ‘La Haine’
The film features Vincent Cassel as Vinz, Hubert Koundé as Hubert, Saïd Taghmaoui as Saïd, and Abdel Ahmed Ghili as Abdel. Each actor brings to life the intense and gritty reality of their Parisian neighborhood, contributing to the film’s lasting impact and emotional strength.
