Michael (Richard Madden), a mischevious American runaway who makes his living as a pickpocket on the streets of Paris has a streak of good fortune come to an abrupt end when he steals the bag of a distracted and upset girl – not knowing that the bag contains a bomb. Unaware of the danger within the bag, he casually discards it believing it to be of no value or consequence and has barely left the scene when the bomb explodes killing four people. Dazed and terrified, Michael flees the scene and heads to his apartment where he falls into an exhausted slumber. Upon waking, Michael sees his own face plastered on every news station…he is a terror suspect!
As he desperately goes about packing up his stash of funds and various passports for a hasty exit, he is interrupted by CIA tough guy, Briar (Idris Elba). What ensues is a long and action packed chase along the steeply thatched rooftops of the Paris city streets and as Michael’s nimble frame manages to evade the intimidating CIA agent on his tail, it seems he just might pull off his getaway. Alas, Agent Briar catches the petty thief still believing him to be a terror suspect and on hearing Michael’s denial of being involved with the bombing asks why he fled, the answer being “have you seen yourself?” Briar indeed cuts an imposing figure and it’s easy to see how a person would run if chased by this guy!
As Michael convinces Briar of his innocence (comically, by showing off his top-notch thieving skills) Briar is convinced and the two unlikely cohorts set out to find those responsible for the deadly attack. The duo manage to track down Zoe (Charlotte Le Bon), the young activist who had been holding the bomb – she reveals that the bomb was intended for a right-wing political party office but after wrestling with her conscience, she intended to throw it into the Seine.
Now a trio, petty thief Michael, gullible activist Zoe and insubordinate CIA man, Briar work together to find those responsible. As the city of Paris is awash with Bastille Day celebrations, it is revealed that the terror plot is a ruse orchestrated by a corrupt police department and various politicians in order to rob a bank. With threats coming at them from all angles and seemingly no one to trust, Briar and his sidekicks must use whatever skills necessary to get out of this sticky situation, including some entertaining diversions created by criminal mastermind Michael.
Bastille Day is a high energy thriller in the same vein as the Bourne movies but with moments of cheeky dialogue. Idris Elba is the ultimate tough guy bringing jam-packed action and conveying an extraordinarily manly atmosphere with apparent effortlessness. Not always logical or particularly focused, Bastille Day is a non-stop escapade that leaves little time to focus on minor details.
Bastille Day releases nationally at Event Cinemas on May 12, 2016.
