La Haine is a powerful French film that follows three... Show more
French
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
1 / 5
Opening Scenes and Character Introductions
The film kicks off with real riot footage and news about Abdel in hospital, immediately setting a gritty, documentary-like tone. Bob Marley's music and protest signs demanding justice create an atmosphere of rebellion and anger.
You'll quickly meet the three main characters who couldn't be more different. Saïd boldly tags police vans right in front of officers, showing his defiant attitude. Vinz gets the classic gangster introduction with a close-up of his ring, and we see him living with female relatives, doing drugs, and recreating the famous Taxi Driver mirror scene.
Hubert represents a different perspective entirely. While Vinz brags about his role in the riots, Hubert's actually angry because his beloved gymnasium was burnt down. The scene where Hubert deals drugs reveals the limited opportunities these young men face - boredom and lack of education drive their choices.
Key insight: Each character represents a different response to their circumstances - rebellion (Saïd), violence (Vinz), and pragmatism (Hubert).
Life in the Banlieues
The rooftop scene shows rare moments of community spirit - Saïd steals a sausage but Nordine pays for it anyway. Even Vinz's bizarre claim that he wants to go to prison highlights how disconnected these young men feel from mainstream society.
When journalists arrive, you see how the media portrays banlieue residents. The camera literally places the trio below the journalists, showing their inferior social position. The journalists blame them for the riots, demonstrating how mainstream media depicts these communities as violent and savage.
The concrete environment reinforces the depression and inactivity that defines their daily lives. Darty's black market business shows how people survive economically, though he's furious about losing his car in the riots. Meanwhile, the trio sees the riots as their moment of glory.
A young boy's bizarre hidden camera story and the presence of drug needles and graffiti (including "the future belongs to you") perfectly capture the contradiction between hope and despair in their environment.
Remember: The film constantly contrasts the residents' humanity with how outsiders perceive them.
Violence and Tension Escalate
The gun revelation becomes the film's central plot device. Vinz found a police pistol during the riots and plans to kill a cop if Abdel dies. Kassovitz uses rapid zoom shots and gunshot sounds to emphasise the weapon's deadly significance.
At the hospital, even a peaceful young policeman triggers anger from Vinz and Saïd. The media immediately photographs their agitation, showing how quickly situations escalate. Saïd's arrest for supposedly leading the group reveals racist assumptions about hierarchy and leadership.
Hubert's scene with his mother shows his drug dealing as economic necessity - he gives her the money and dreams of escaping the banlieues. This contrasts sharply with Vinz's romanticised view of their situation.
The DJ scene provides a panoramic view of the entire housing estate while playing politically charged music like "Sound of da Police." The hallucination of a cow adds surreal elements that reflect the characters' disconnection from reality.
Think about this: The gun represents the cycle of violence that traps these communities - police violence leads to more violence.
Paris Encounters and Police Brutality
A chase scene erupts when residents want to protest Abdel's treatment. The CRS riot police arrival creates instant tension, and significantly, Hubert stops Vinz from using his gun - showing Hubert as the voice of reason.
Their trip to Paris exposes brutal police racism and violence. Saïd and Hubert face humiliation and physical abuse during custody, while a trainee officer does nothing to intervene. This sequence shows systematic abuse within the police force.
The art gallery scene perfectly illustrates the divide between the banlieues and central Paris - black versus white, vulgar versus refined, poor versus wealthy. The trio's behaviour gets them expelled, despite Hubert initially trying to calm tensions.
These Paris scenes demonstrate how the three young men are completely out of place in "respectable" society, reinforcing their social exclusion.
Key point: The film shows how geography and class create seemingly insurmountable social barriers.
Tragic Conclusion
The bizarre Grunwalski story in the toilets adds dark humour before the tragic ending. Their failed car theft and the drunk man who helps them (ignored by police because he's white) reinforce racial double standards in policing.
The skinhead confrontation tests Vinz's violent rhetoric. When he can't actually kill someone, Hubert mocks his pretensions, showing that Vinz's tough talk masks deeper vulnerability.
The final sequence delivers devastating tragedy. Learning of Abdel's death, Vinz finally gives up the gun to Hubert, suggesting personal growth. However, the clock striking 6:01 signals time running out.
Notre-Dame accidentally shoots Vinz in a police blunder, but Hubert now aims the gun at the officer. Two gunshots end the film, completing the cycle of violence that the opening sequences predicted. The tragedy feels both shocking and inevitable.
Final thought: The film's structure - like the falling man analogy - shows that the impact matters more than the fall itself.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Inégalités Sociales
Most popular content in French
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
La Haine - Comprehensive Plot Summary Notes
La Haine is a powerful French film that follows three young men - Vinz, Saïd, and Hubert - through 24 hours in the Paris suburbs after violent riots. The film exposes the harsh realities of life in the banlieues, exploring... Show more
Opening Scenes and Character Introductions
The film kicks off with real riot footage and news about Abdel in hospital, immediately setting a gritty, documentary-like tone. Bob Marley's music and protest signs demanding justice create an atmosphere of rebellion and anger.
You'll quickly meet the three main characters who couldn't be more different. Saïd boldly tags police vans right in front of officers, showing his defiant attitude. Vinz gets the classic gangster introduction with a close-up of his ring, and we see him living with female relatives, doing drugs, and recreating the famous Taxi Driver mirror scene.
Hubert represents a different perspective entirely. While Vinz brags about his role in the riots, Hubert's actually angry because his beloved gymnasium was burnt down. The scene where Hubert deals drugs reveals the limited opportunities these young men face - boredom and lack of education drive their choices.
Key insight: Each character represents a different response to their circumstances - rebellion (Saïd), violence (Vinz), and pragmatism (Hubert).
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Life in the Banlieues
The rooftop scene shows rare moments of community spirit - Saïd steals a sausage but Nordine pays for it anyway. Even Vinz's bizarre claim that he wants to go to prison highlights how disconnected these young men feel from mainstream society.
When journalists arrive, you see how the media portrays banlieue residents. The camera literally places the trio below the journalists, showing their inferior social position. The journalists blame them for the riots, demonstrating how mainstream media depicts these communities as violent and savage.
The concrete environment reinforces the depression and inactivity that defines their daily lives. Darty's black market business shows how people survive economically, though he's furious about losing his car in the riots. Meanwhile, the trio sees the riots as their moment of glory.
A young boy's bizarre hidden camera story and the presence of drug needles and graffiti (including "the future belongs to you") perfectly capture the contradiction between hope and despair in their environment.
Remember: The film constantly contrasts the residents' humanity with how outsiders perceive them.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Violence and Tension Escalate
The gun revelation becomes the film's central plot device. Vinz found a police pistol during the riots and plans to kill a cop if Abdel dies. Kassovitz uses rapid zoom shots and gunshot sounds to emphasise the weapon's deadly significance.
At the hospital, even a peaceful young policeman triggers anger from Vinz and Saïd. The media immediately photographs their agitation, showing how quickly situations escalate. Saïd's arrest for supposedly leading the group reveals racist assumptions about hierarchy and leadership.
Hubert's scene with his mother shows his drug dealing as economic necessity - he gives her the money and dreams of escaping the banlieues. This contrasts sharply with Vinz's romanticised view of their situation.
The DJ scene provides a panoramic view of the entire housing estate while playing politically charged music like "Sound of da Police." The hallucination of a cow adds surreal elements that reflect the characters' disconnection from reality.
Think about this: The gun represents the cycle of violence that traps these communities - police violence leads to more violence.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Paris Encounters and Police Brutality
A chase scene erupts when residents want to protest Abdel's treatment. The CRS riot police arrival creates instant tension, and significantly, Hubert stops Vinz from using his gun - showing Hubert as the voice of reason.
Their trip to Paris exposes brutal police racism and violence. Saïd and Hubert face humiliation and physical abuse during custody, while a trainee officer does nothing to intervene. This sequence shows systematic abuse within the police force.
The art gallery scene perfectly illustrates the divide between the banlieues and central Paris - black versus white, vulgar versus refined, poor versus wealthy. The trio's behaviour gets them expelled, despite Hubert initially trying to calm tensions.
These Paris scenes demonstrate how the three young men are completely out of place in "respectable" society, reinforcing their social exclusion.
Key point: The film shows how geography and class create seemingly insurmountable social barriers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Tragic Conclusion
The bizarre Grunwalski story in the toilets adds dark humour before the tragic ending. Their failed car theft and the drunk man who helps them (ignored by police because he's white) reinforce racial double standards in policing.
The skinhead confrontation tests Vinz's violent rhetoric. When he can't actually kill someone, Hubert mocks his pretensions, showing that Vinz's tough talk masks deeper vulnerability.
The final sequence delivers devastating tragedy. Learning of Abdel's death, Vinz finally gives up the gun to Hubert, suggesting personal growth. However, the clock striking 6:01 signals time running out.
Notre-Dame accidentally shoots Vinz in a police blunder, but Hubert now aims the gun at the officer. Two gunshots end the film, completing the cycle of violence that the opening sequences predicted. The tragedy feels both shocking and inevitable.
Final thought: The film's structure - like the falling man analogy - shows that the impact matters more than the fall itself.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
12
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Inégalités Sociales
Most popular content in French
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user