LE TROU is a prison crime drama which is based on true events from La Santé Prison in France in 1947.
Four prisoners, who serving long sentences, are determined to escape. Before they start to dig a tunnel to escape, a young and seemingly naive prisoner is transferred in their cell. They are skeptical, but they have no choice but to fill him in. A young man is enthusiastic about taking part in the getaway. The tunnel was dug. Their escape is certain. However, the youngest member of their bunch discovers he will be released soon anyway, because the main witness against him has had a change of heart...
A realistic prison drama pulsates with excitement and tension. The human factor is highlighted in details. It is reflected through an anxiety, nervousness and energy at main protagonists. Mr. Becker has offered an accurate and detailed view of prison. He has managed to drag the audience into an escape plan. Due to these facts, the final outcome is too tragic.
Prison-escape incidents are very exciting and unpredictable. There was a lot of dangerous maneuvers and improvisation. The real "hole" in this film is the human factor. The line between doubt and trust is very thin in prison conditions.
The technique of close-ups has complemented atmosphere and visual effects. Characterization is almost perfect.
Marc Michel as Claude Gaspard is the only protagonist who has discovered his family drama. He is an orphan who has inherited a fortune. Claude is actually a selfish character, who has, ironically, caused the final climax. Jean Keraudy as Roland Darbant is a resourceful and precise brain of an operation. Michel Constantin as Geo Cassine is a honest and diligent bully. Philippe Leroy as Manu Borell is a suspicious and calculating leader. Raymond Meunier as Vossellin / Monseigneur is a cheerful and amusing clown.
This is a tense, sincere and detailed prison story.
Four prisoners, who serving long sentences, are determined to escape. Before they start to dig a tunnel to escape, a young and seemingly naive prisoner is transferred in their cell. They are skeptical, but they have no choice but to fill him in. A young man is enthusiastic about taking part in the getaway. The tunnel was dug. Their escape is certain. However, the youngest member of their bunch discovers he will be released soon anyway, because the main witness against him has had a change of heart...
A realistic prison drama pulsates with excitement and tension. The human factor is highlighted in details. It is reflected through an anxiety, nervousness and energy at main protagonists. Mr. Becker has offered an accurate and detailed view of prison. He has managed to drag the audience into an escape plan. Due to these facts, the final outcome is too tragic.
Prison-escape incidents are very exciting and unpredictable. There was a lot of dangerous maneuvers and improvisation. The real "hole" in this film is the human factor. The line between doubt and trust is very thin in prison conditions.
The technique of close-ups has complemented atmosphere and visual effects. Characterization is almost perfect.
Marc Michel as Claude Gaspard is the only protagonist who has discovered his family drama. He is an orphan who has inherited a fortune. Claude is actually a selfish character, who has, ironically, caused the final climax. Jean Keraudy as Roland Darbant is a resourceful and precise brain of an operation. Michel Constantin as Geo Cassine is a honest and diligent bully. Philippe Leroy as Manu Borell is a suspicious and calculating leader. Raymond Meunier as Vossellin / Monseigneur is a cheerful and amusing clown.
This is a tense, sincere and detailed prison story.