Inspired by real events, "Le juge" ("The Judge") tells the story of a hard-working honest judge (Jacques Perrin, "Z", "Cinema Paradiso") in his quest to bring a powerful mobster (Daniel Duval) to jail. This isn't your typical judge who stays only in court to hear the case and convict the person, as he also goes to questionings, take depositions and assists on manhunt for suspects and witnesses along with a ruthless and more seasons police inspector (Richard Bohringer).

Philippe Lefebvre's first cinema film is a raw, realistic and honest look on the challenges faced by the judicial system and the police system while trying to bring criminals to justice, facing perils, technicalities brought by influent lawyers who'll always find ways to save their clients, and threats from all comrades, as evidenced by a superior of the judge who keeps questioning his methods and preventing from doing his job. It's the kind of game that even when winning and making a society more safe, it doesn't bring a total sense of peace. The cops go, detain the suspect, evidence is found but when it's time for prosecution and condemnation, there's always the risk of justice not being served for whatever reason. The judge knows his system and its flaws, but he tries very hard to show that no one's above the law, even if he has to risk his family and his life safety.

It's a quite effective dramatic thriller but far from memorable as the theme is practically worn-out by now, and done with more gusto. It works a great deal thanks to a honorable performance by Perrin, always a pleasure to watch, and the glorious presence of Michael Lonsdale playing a drug dealer who refuses to rat on his mates. The few thrilling sequences shown are a delight to watch with some fine car chases, and the attack on one of the potential informers,is also brilliantly executed. But it's more of a dramatic work that becomes a little repetitive, and for a time you always feel hopeless that such big case will come out as the mobster is a very clever man, and his lawyer even more daring with his debates with the judge.

It's very downbeat but it's completely honest in what it has to show. It's the kind of thing you'll always hear on the news if you follow particular cases here and there. As for Perrin's character, you can count on your fingers how many judges tried to act like he did in the movie, a man full of integrity and some recklessness, deeply involved with his work and who tries to keep things by the book, with some unorthodox ways but always bringing results. It's the hero we needed, but one we hardly ever get. 6/10.