Knockdown

Synopsis

Knockdown (2016), directed by Emmanuel Le Reste, is a gripping French thriller that delves deep into the high-stakes world of underground fighting. The story follows a determined protagonist who, faced with a daunting personal crisis, enters the brutal and risky realm of illegal boxing matches to reclaim control over his life. The film skillfully combines intense fight sequences with emotional depth, exploring themes of resilience, survival, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. With its gritty atmosphere and dynamic character-driven narrative, Knockdown delivers a visceral cinematic experience that captivates audiences from start to finish.

Cast

• Emmanuel Le Reste

  Le jeune homme

• Alan Eglinton

• Myriam Rachmuth

• Jacques Moncomble

• Ilan Soyez

• Alexia Pingaud

Reviews

Knockdown received a mixed to positive reception from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a moderate rating, reflecting viewers' appreciation for its authentic fight choreography and compelling lead performance. Some reviewers praised Emmanuel Le Reste’s direction, highlighting the raw and unpolished aesthetic that adds to the film's realistic depiction of the underground fighting scene. According to FilmAffinity, Knockdown features “intense and well-executed fight scenes” which are a major strength of the movie. However, some critics pointed out that the storyline, while emotionally impactful, occasionally adheres to familiar genre clichés, which slightly diminishes its originality. Rotten Tomatoes does not provide a critic score, indicating limited widespread coverage, but user reviews commend the film's tension-building and character development. The pacing was noted as uneven in a few critiques, but overall, the film is appreciated for its gritty atmosphere and strong performances, making it a notable entry in the French action-thriller genre.