Cash is a 2008 French crime thriller directed by Éric Besnard. The film stars Kery James and Oumar Diaw in the lead roles. Set in Paris, Cash follows the story of two burglars, Cash (Kery James) and Sam (Oumar Diaw), who are on a mission to steal from the wealthy residents of the city. The movie starts with a high-octane heist scene where Cash and Sam break into a luxurious mansion and make away with a lot of valuables. However, their joy is cut short when they are spotted by the owner of the house, a corrupt police officer. The officer dies in the ensuing scuffle, and the two burglars are forced to go on the run.
As they try to escape the authorities, they stumble upon a robbery plan that could be their ticket to escaping the country. The mastermind behind the robbery is a Ukrainian mobster named Leonid (Serge Riaboukine), who has his sights set on a famous diamond in the city's jewelry auction. Cash and Sam see this as an opportunity to make a lot of money and flee the country while leaving their past behind.
However, things take a turn for the worse when they find out that the diamond auction is being guarded by a team led by a veteran cop named Julia (Julie Dray). Moreover, Leonid's unpredictable and violent behavior makes it clear to Cash and Sam that they are in way over their heads. As the movie progresses, the two must navigate their way through a maze of dangerous obstacles to get their hands on the diamond, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the law.
At its core, Cash is a fast-paced heist thriller that, while not entirely original, manages to hold its own with clever twists and turns. The film's appeal lies in its character-driven approach that makes us invested in the two main characters throughout the movie. Cash and Sam are not your typical Hollywood-style smooth criminals. They are flawed, do not always make the right decisions, and are constantly plagued by guilt and internal conflict. Despite their criminal tendencies, we can't help but root for them as they try to achieve their goals.
The movie's well-choreographed action scenes and chase sequences keep the adrenaline pumping and the tension high throughout. The climactic heist scene, especially, is nail-bitingly intense and executed with precision. The film's urban landscape provides a gritty and realistic backdrop, and the use of handheld cameras adds to the movie's raw and authentic feel.
Kery James and Oumar Diaw deliver standout performances that add depth and personality to their characters. James, a French rapper making his acting debut, imbues his character with a quiet intensity that makes him both charismatic and menacing. Diaw, on the other hand, plays the more cautious and level-headed Sam, who is the perfect foil to Cash's impulsiveness.
The supporting cast, including Serge Riaboukine, Julie Dray, and Clotilde Hesme, also deliver convincing performances that elevate the movie's overall quality. Riaboukine, in particular, is a standout as Leonid, whose mercurial behavior keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.
In conclusion, Cash is a well-made crime thriller that manages to leave a lasting impression. While it may not be groundbreaking, its engaging characters, tense action scenes, and raw energy make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Cash is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
