“Brick Mansions” is the American version of French action film ‘District 13’ (or B13) which even stars one of its original actors David Belle as the real action hero and parkour artist. While most of the world audience has already watched the original version, this film is a onetime watch for Paul Walker — who died in a car crash, just before the release of the film.
In this version, Detroit – the largest city of Michigan, once a developed and modern city is now abandoned and only home to many dreaded criminals. Unable to maintain law and order in the city, the police built a large wall around the area of Brick Mansions in order to protect the rest of the city from those criminals and growing drug trafficking.
While honest undercover policeman Damien Collier (Paul Walker) sees everyday challenges in his battle against corruption, there is another man Lino (David Belle) who lived most of his life in Brick Mansions but also in his own way dealing with criminals in making the city drug free. Although it seems that there is no way these two characters would ever meet, their sole aim to track down the drug kingpin Tremaine Alexander eventually brings them together.
David Belle reprises his role from the original and again performs some exceptional action sequences, especially the acrobatic practice of parkour (a discipline where the performer uses only his/her body and surroundings to propel themselves).
“Brick Mansions” is no match to District B13 but it will certainly be remembered as Paul Walker’s last feature film. Even if you are no longer in a dystopian Paris, Brick Mansion certainly gives you a very identical narrative in a modern futuristic city of Detroit.
Yet again David Belle’s parkour skills are amazing on screen. Without being too critical, I can recommend this movie to all for its stylish action sequences and of course for Paul Walker in action.
Brick Mansions is a remake of the 2004 French film District 13. This was Paul Walker’s penultimate film.
Directed by Camille Delamarre
Screenplay by Luc Besson
Based on Banlieue 13 (District 13) by Luc Besson and Bibi Naceri
Starring: Paul Walker, David Belle, RZA, Goûchy Boy, Catalina Denis, and Carlo Rota.
Music by Trevor Morris
Cinematography Christophe Collette
Release Date/Year: April 23, 2014 (France); April 25, 2014 (Canada and United States)
