Rebellion is a French historical drama film directed by and starring Mathieu Kassovitz, which tells the true story of the Ouvéa cave hostage taking incident that occurred in New Caledonia in 1988. The film depicts the clash between French law enforcement officials and Kanak separatist militants, who took control of a gendarmery on the island of Ouvéa, leading to a tense standoff between the two sides.
The film is based on the memoirs of Philippe Legorjus, who led the French military operation to free the hostages, and it offers a harrowing portrayal of the violence and brutality that ensued during the incident. The narrative follows Legorjus as he attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but is met with resistance from French authorities who believe that a strong show of force is necessary to resolve the situation.
Throughout the course of the film, Legorjus develops an unlikely relationship with Alphonse Dianou, the Kanak separatist leader, and the two men engage in a series of intense conversations about the nature of violence, justice, and the concept of freedom.
The film features powerful performances from its lead actors, with Kassovitz and Iabe Lapacas delivering nuanced and complex portrayals of their respective characters. The film's cinematography is also striking, with the lush island landscapes offering a vivid contrast to the gritty violence and political intrigue of the story.
Overall, Rebellion is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama that delves deeply into issues of colonialism, race, and power in a way that is both timely and resonant.