Behind the Walls

Synopsis

Behind the Walls (Les hauts murs) is a gripping French drama released in 2008, starring Émile Berling. The film follows the story of a young boy, Paul, who is sent to a psychiatric hospital after committing a crime. Inside the walls of the institution, Paul is faced with challenges and struggles as he navigates through the harsh reality of his situation. As he tries to hold onto his sanity, he forms unexpected relationships with other patients and discovers the true meaning of resilience. With powerful performances and a thought-provoking narrative, Behind the Walls shines a light on the human spirit's capacity to endure even in the darkest of times.

Cast

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  Émile Berling

  Yves Tréguier

• 

  Carole Bouquet

  Fil de fer's Mother

• 

  Catherine Jacob

  Director

• 

  Michel Jonasz

  Director - Institution of Supervised Education

• 

  Guillaume Gouix

  Blondeau

• 

  Julien Bouanich

  Fil de fer

Reviews

Behind the Walls has received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciate the film's realistic portrayal of life within a psychiatric hospital and the nuanced performances by the cast, others find the pacing slow and the storyline predictable. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film a score of 65%, noting that 'Émile Berling delivers a compelling performance, adding depth to the character of Paul.' On IMDb, Behind the Walls has an average rating of 6.7/10, with viewers praising the emotional depth of the story. However, Metacritic rates the film lower, citing inconsistencies in the narrative and character development. Overall, Behind the Walls is a thought-provoking drama that offers a unique perspective on mental health institutions.