Le Trou (The Hole/The Night Watch). Jacques Becker, 1960.
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Edition screened: Criterion DVD #129, released 2001. French language with English subtitles. Runtime approximately 131 minutes.
Summary: No particular depictions of violence toward animals.
Most prison break films are common and interchangeable, but not Le Trou. The veil of cordial behavior between inmates and the false calm wrapped over the reality of prison life elicits far more tension that the usual ho-hum tough guy posturing.
Real time segments of pounding through concrete with makeshift tools are mesmerizing, and the non-professional actors perform fabulously.