A Self-Made Hero (1996)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Intelligent, droll, well made study of one cowardly man creating a new identity and remaking himself as a hero under the cover of war. Poses interesting questions about identity and truth, and how we all invent ourselves. Some terrific cinematography, and a solid lead performance by Mathieu Kassovitz. On first viewing, something was missing for me emotionally. Sometimes the ideas seemed heavy handed, and other times, motives and characters underdeveloped. But on re-visiting the pieces fell together, and while the underlying ideas still sometimes felt familiar, the sting of the satire danced beautifully with the underlying sadness of the main character.

This film is a true masterpiece. The character delineation of our hero and how he gets there is true comedy at its best. Great comedy not only makes us laugh but makes us reflect on human life at the same time. This film does that. We get a satire on recent French history and well as the mores of the society. There are so many scenes where one knows that only a French film could be made this way.This film is even better than Mr. Audiard's marvelous film "Read My Lips." The acting is superb and the script flawless. Do yourself a favor and rent this.

I'm not normally a fan of foreign films, mainly because my lack of reading ability, but Un Heros Tres Discret (A.K.A. A Self Made Hero) was one of the best foreign films I have ever seen, if only because it introduced me to French actor, Mathieu Kassovitz.This movie, directed by Jacques Audiard, deals with Mathieu's character, Albert Dehousse, and his rise from a son living under his mother's insanity to becoming a leader of a French Revolutionary faction.If there is anything to praise this movie for, it's for the strong, yet understated performance by Kassovitz

Sweeping tale of a smart and lucky imposter, masterfully played by Mathieu Kassovitz during most of the movie. This combines short real footages with great acting all around. David Fernandes is touching as the young Albert, Jean-Louis Trintignant is perfect casting as the older/narrator.An unforgettable movie. Have to see it to believe it. Perfect script. Once again a wonderful movie that did not get the respect, publicity, "fame" it fully deserves.See this!