Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
CINEMA Rating: V14
Hustler pickpocket Michael Mason (Richard Madden) is an undocumented American tourist in France. His modus operandi involves getting attention of the people in a crowded spot of Paris, France which he succeeds without being caught. Until he observes an anxious woman Zoe Naville (Charlotte Le Bon), who happens to be a terrorist accomplice, as his next likely victim. He steals her handbag not knowing it contains a bomb hidden in a stuffed toy. Thinking there is no valuable in the bag, he throws it in the street corner; it detonates to his surprise, killing four people. He is caught in a camera that goes viral in social media, identifying him as a prime suspect in a terrorist plot. He becomes the object of a nationwide terrorist manhunt. CIA agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba) captures Mason and discovers he’s not a terrorist. He then uses Sean’s pickpocketing skills to uncover a large-scale corruption and conspiracy in a bombing campaign designed to bring Paris to downfall on Bastille Day.
Bastille Day has a thrilling story. It cleverly connects street crimes like pickpocketing and high profile corruption to Bastille Day, a special holiday in the France. This has been heightened by director Watkins’ good treatment of combined action, humor, and suspense. Although there seems to be carelessness in a scene of conversation openly in the street after discovering a suicide and beside a hot car. The roof chase also unnecessarily takes a while. Nevertheless, the lead actors Madden, Le Bon, and Elba equally give their strong and impressive performances. The editing is likewise good especially in pickpocket scenes. The cinematography is shot with clarity and coherence, supported by good production design. Other technical aspects – sounds, musical scoring, and lighting complement the overall presentation of the film.
Bastille Day believes that there is always a chance to change and that criminal skills like picking pockets may be used in a positive way to stop the chaos or to uncover high level corruption. No one can deny that corruption involving high ranking officials and law enforcers is already a reality in human society. Pickpocketing becomes relatively petty beside big-time stealing although viewers are reminded that it is still stealing and an equally punishable act. Similarly, a bomb in whatever form is dangerous and can kill people; therefore allowing one’s self to act as a mule to plant a bomb for whatever reason is a big risk to one’s life and others, not to mention property. The serious situation in Bastille Day needs a strong willed, discerning person with wisdom and the willingness to take risks, like the character of Agent Sean. Finally, social media can make or unmake a person. Viewers are reminded anew to be responsible in their use.
