English 10
La Haine (Hate) (1995) a film by Mathieu Kassovitz
The film traces the activities of one day in the lives of three friends: Vinz, Sayid and Hubert. Contrast the views of the three friends on the idea of taking revenge for the shooting of their friend.
First, write any questions you have to the content.
1. The film opens with a story of a man falling from a skyscraper. What tone is set by this story and the image that follows?
2. The first scene is newsreel coverage of a clash between police and protesters. Over this documentary is Bob Marley’s song “Burnin’ and Lootin.” What do the lyrics contribute to our understanding of the world of the film?
3. The film is structured in one day that begins at 10:28. Other segments: 12:43; 14:12. Why do you think the segments are numbered so precisely? What is the effect of looking at one day?
4. As you view the film, keep track of the forces opposed to the young men and their community. As we saw with KKT, there are several. What are those specific forces?
5. How are the police characterized in the film?
6. Take note of the violence in the film. All the violence. Make a list of the acts that occur.
7. Ask yourself of each scene: What is the effect of this scene? Why is this scene in the film?
8. How do you react to the ending?
9. What do you think is the overall point of the film?
10. Big Question. In what way is the world of Vinz, Sayid and Hubert similar to the world of Doria? In what way is the world different? Write a list of similarities to KKT, then a list of differences.