'La Haine' Reborn: French Cult Film Takes the Stage in Musical Adaptation

2023-10-21 11:15:04

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Frensh Cult Film 'La Haine' to Return as Musical

Nearly 30 years after its release, the groundbreaking French cult film "La Haine" is set to make a comeback as a hip-hop stage musical. The adaptation is being spearheaded by Mathieu Kassovitz, the film's director who is also known for his role in the TV series "The Bureau". The musical is scheduled to debut in a Paris theater next year.

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A Modern Take on the Musical Genre

In an interview with AFP, Kassovitz stated that the musical won't be a traditional, "corny" production. Instead, it aims to be more modern, with a natural approach facilitated by the hip-hop genre. Drawing inspiration from French film classics like "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", Kassovitz wants the musical to seamlessly incorporate songs into the narrative without needing a specific explanation.

A Powerful Story of Social Unrest

"La Haine", which earned Kassovitz the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995, tells the story of three friends living in a disadvantaged neighborhood near Paris who become embroiled in riots sparked by police violence. The movie shed light on the social unrest in France's suburban ghettos, and its relevance continues to be evident through recent riots in the country.

Keeping the Message Alive

The decision to create a musical adaptation of "La Haine" comes at a time when the film's themes are still pertinent. Kassovitz emphasized the need to address ongoing issues, stating that the play's poster prominently features the slogan "La Haine: so far nothing has changed". The stage show will feature around 30 dancers and 15 original songs, aiming to recreate the emotional journey of the film's central characters.

Kassovitz, who is currently recovering from a motorcycle accident, expressed his desire to capture the same impact and resonance that made the film popular. While the original cast members Vincent Cassel, Said Taghmaoui, and Hubert Kounde received critical acclaim, their careers diverged in different directions. However, Taghmaoui has achieved success as a character actor in major Hollywood films, including "Three Kings", "John Wick 3", and "Wonder Woman".

The musical adaptation of "La Haine" promises to offer a fresh take on the story's powerful message, keeping alive its exploration of social issues through the medium of hip-hop and live performance.

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