Die purpurnen Flüsse

Ein französischer Klon von Sieben (manche Szenen wurden Aufnahme für Aufnahme kopiert). Der Film hat eine solide Stimmung, aber ein lächerliches Finale. (09.04.2005)

Kassovitz successfully conveys the dark atmosphere, and Reno and Cassel are charismatic enough to pull the whole film off just fine. But there are some moments, or rather, entire scenes that are so blatantly ripped-off of Se7en that it’s almost embarrassing. The ending is also contrived and full of clichés. It’s a pity, without that it would have been a very good thriller. (04.07.2002)

Nicht schlecht... Meiner Meinung nach ist es Mathieu Kassovitz gelungen, den klassischen Action-Stil eines anständigen amerikanischen Schnitts und einer klassischen französischen Konversations-Krimigeschichte sehr gut zu verdünnen und dabei nicht so wahnsinnig verklemmt zu agieren wie der Regisseur des zweiten Films, Olivier Dahan, wenn es darum geht, eine düstere Atmosphäre zu erzeugen. Jean Reno bekommt viel Raum, ebenso wie sein Partner Vincent Cassel, der mich in einer Hinsicht enttäuscht... er ist nicht so sympathisch rasta wie sein Gegenstück im Buch. Und genau das ist das Problem mit den Purpurnen Flüssen. Verglichen mit dem Buch haben sie nicht einmal die Hälfte der Spannung und des Geheimnisses, die Mordhandlung kommt zu früh und die ganze Deduktion wird einem in völlig verwirrender Form mitten in einer Verfolgungsjagd entgegengeschleudert. Nun, der Film ist kein Buch, das wissen wir alle, aber die Adaption in ein Drehbuch hat einfach genug Tücken... und das "spektakuläre" und dilettantische Finale ist der Beweis dafür. Im Buch geht die Spastik irgendwie verloren, aber hier fällt sie vor allem durch Nadia Farés' völliges Overacting ins Auge... Wenn Sie das Buch nicht kennen, werden Sie Die purpurnen Flüsse sehr mögen, wenn Sie es kennen, werden Sie eine Enttäuschung nicht vermeiden können. Aber formal ist alles in Ordnung. (08.02.2006)

Perfectly dark atmosphere that can only be maintained until the evidence starts to emerge. Reno and Cassel are great on their own, but the chase with the killer through the apartment really tests the nerves. However, as mystery begins to entangle, everything starts to creak, and after the snowy finale, a bitter taste remains. (26.01.2006)

The first part of the free trilogy of crime thrillers associated with the name of Jean Reno as an investigator of brutal crimes is still a fairly decent film, although it cannot deny the weaknesses that sank the following two sequels. The screenplay is incomplete and clearly does not bother too much with logic in favor of visually striking images and shocking revelations. Additionally, it is clearly inspired by successful overseas thrillers, led by the famous Seven. The attempt to approach Fincher's directorial style is evident from a series of specific scenes. The result is an uneven film with an uncertain ending, but nevertheless, it cannot be denied that it has a number of visually appealing moments and a dark, albeit fluctuating atmosphere. Overall impression: 55%. (24.06.2006)

The European feeling is nice, but it doesn't always fit. The Crimson Rivers has a solid atmosphere, a good acting duo, but a very predictable plot and the visual aesthetic could also be a bit different. (22.12.2003)

The subject matter is very enticing, the actors are excellent, the atmosphere is as sharp as a French guillotine for most of the time and, most importantly, the entire first half is the most stylish, chilling and impressive thriller since Fincher's Se7en. But, as much as the beginning thrilled me and the amazing atmosphere, together with the disgusting murders, burrowed deep under my skin, the second half, with its inconsistency and steep decline of creativity, made me feel like a little boy who has believed in Santa Claus all his childhood and finally learns that everything is completely different. Yet I might have forgiven everything if the filmmakers had come up with a quality and meaningful conclusion that would have put me back in the right mood and left me with my mouth open least as much as the great opening. Alas, what finally happened on the screen, I would like to cut it out of the film for good, burn it and throw the ashes into a lake somewhere, because it literally brought the whole thing and its strongly depressing atmosphere down a peg. I can't say that The Crimson Rivers a is a disappointment, but I'm very annoyed with how the filmmakers managed to screw up such a good film with such excellent actors. At least it showed once again how unmatched the aforementioned Se7en is in the genre. (26.11.2012)

I like how the movie works. The plot is clever and keeps you in suspense, there are shocking scenes, scenes that can really scare you. Neiman's fear of dogs is an interesting touch and makes the detective more human, with flaws. What spoils the film is a bit rushed ending, which relied too much on a twist that some viewers might say: "Really? Another resolution like that?" It may not appeal to everyone, but the film ends correctly, as well as thrillingly, as it should. (12.01.2014)