"Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1"

This movie is sooo GOOD!!! It opens with Jacques Mesrine's body, covered with blood, being pulled out of the car he was driving when the police finally killed him in 1979 - after a long and violent career of bank robberies (multiple prison escapes), which brought him lots of money, but even more important to him, his fame, and reputation, in which he took great pride. He also took pride in his "honor" (he never lied about his escapades), and was infuriated by a journalist who made false statements about him. Several courtroom scenes are amazing. (In one, he takes the judge hostage to make an escape.) Masterfully, superbly played by Vincent Cassel, Mesrine was educated and articulate, with a gentle and loving side (revealed when he visits his dying father in the hospital and another time when he is visited in prison by his young daughter --and in the scenes with Jeanne, the ex-prostitute who becomes his wife.) He was loyal to his accomplice/s and in love with Jeanne, his faithful and adoring wife (?) girlfriend (?). Taking over 2 1/2 hours to tell, "Public Enemy No.1" flashes back to reveal the second half of the life story of this notorious French criminal, left me wanting more! Everyone in the cast: perfect; dialogue: outstanding; photography: excellent; music: ideally suited to enhance the action. (I have yet to see the first half of the story, as told in "Mesrine" Killer Instinct." I look forward to it! ) FOUR STARS, of course. Oh, and the subtitles were splendid. SP