The Family (2013)

Overview

The Family is a 2013 crime comedy directed by Luc Besson, blending dark humor with action. Bringing together storied names in cinema history like Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, the film tells the story of a former mafia family relocated to a quiet French town under the witness protection program. Belgian actor Jonas Bloquet, part of the film's young cast, portrays a local young man who grows close to the family's daughter, bringing a freshness distinctive to French cinema to the story. Bearing Besson's signature touch, the production offers audiences an unusual flavor by blending both American mafia film clichés and European provincial life.

Although it's an American production, the film stands out for having been largely shot in France and for its European cast. Besson's distinctive visual language, his pacing control in tension scenes, and his narrative style that occasionally mixes violence with humor transform the film from a classic mafia drama into a unique genre hybrid.

Plot

The story revolves around the Manzoni family, who betrayed the Italian mafia in the past and were consequently placed in the FBI's witness protection program. The family is forced to relocate constantly because wherever they go, they can't shake off their old habits and violent nature. Settling in a small French town under new identities, the family runs into constant trouble with the people around them even as they try to live an ordinary life.

While the father tries to settle the score for a past betrayal, the mother has an explosive temperament that gets her into trouble with her devout neighbors. Meanwhile, the teenage children try to establish their own power balances at school in their own ways. At this point, the character played by Jonas Bloquet adds the innocence of provincial life and youthful dynamics to the story through his relationship with the family's daughter. However, the family's true identity is in constant danger of being exposed sooner or later, and this becomes the main element that escalates tension as the film progresses.

Why Watch It?

The Family is a production that surprises audiences expecting a classic mafia film. Luc Besson establishes a balance between genres by blending harsh action scenes with absurdly funny moments. Robert De Niro's performance, which pokes fun at his own mafia film history, adds a meta dimension of self-renewal to the film. Michelle Pfeiffer's fierce, sharp-tongued mother character is also one of the film's most memorable elements.

Jonas Bloquet's performance brings a sincere energy to the film's youth storyline, offering a small-scale but effective reflection of the American-French culture clash. Additionally, the dynamic camera movements and scene compositions characteristic of Besson's directorial identity keep the audience engaged without losing them in the film's odd universe. The violent scenes are presented realistically yet softened with dark humor, giving the film a distinctive tone.

Who Is It For?

An ideal choice for viewers who love mafia-themed films but are tired of classic dramatic storytelling and are looking for a more sardonic, dark-humor-heavy approach. Those following the acting careers of Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer will enjoy the duo's chemistry in this film. It also offers a satisfying experience for those familiar with Luc Besson's directorial style and curious about his balance of action and comedy.

Since it contains violent scenes and profanity-laden dialogue, it's not suitable for those seeking light, family-friendly content. However, it can comfortably be recommended to adult viewers looking for a crime comedy that is both entertaining and occasionally thought-provoking.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Strong, well-matched acting performances from Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer

2. A screenplay structure that skillfully blends dark humor with action

3. The fresh and sincere contribution of the young cast, especially Jonas Bloquet

Cons:

1. The pacing is occasionally uneven, with some scenes feeling unnecessarily stretched out

2. Some characters' behaviors can remain inconsistent within a logical framework

Genre and Tone

The film has a hybrid structure combining dark comedy, crime, and action genres. In terms of tone, it manages to consistently hold seriousness and playfulness together; a scene of harsh violence can be immediately followed by an absurd comedic element. These uneven yet deliberate tonal shifts are a feature frequently seen in Besson's signature productions. The overall atmosphere offers a viewing experience that is both tense and entertaining.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

At approximately two hours, the film is of average feature-length. While the pacing is generally smooth, progress can slow down in some intermediate scenes. It's a production that viewers can follow without distraction and comfortably complete in a single sitting. Visually, the contrast between the warmth of the French provincial atmosphere and the cold tension of the mafia world enriches the viewing experience.

Similar Productions

• Goodfellas (1990)

• Analyze This (1999)

• In Bruges (2008)

• Get Shorty (1995)

• Léon: The Professional (1994)

• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Final Assessment

The Family is an enjoyable crime comedy bearing Luc Besson's signature touch, skillfully combining mafia drama with dark humor. While the experienced performances of Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer carry the film, the contribution of young actors like Jonas Bloquet adds freshness to the story. Despite some pacing inconsistencies and occasional logical gaps, the film overall offers an entertaining and memorable viewing experience. It's a production that can be particularly recommended for viewers who enjoy genre mixing and are open to unconventional mafia narratives.