Popeye and the drug bust

The French Connection (1971)

Based on the book of the same name this film from director William Friedkin stars Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. A New York policeman lets nothing stand in his way as he tries to take down a large drug smuggling ring.

Based on real events the plot does stray into the realm of fiction in terms of character and events but retains a high level of realism through out. This film picked up five Oscars and it is not hard to see how it was a breath of fresh air due to realism while retaining one of the great car chases of cinema. Certainly this is one of the must see crime films of the 70s.

5/5