10 Underrated Films by Jean Reno You Must See

Jean Reno boasts a career that seamlessly spans French film and global blockbusters, effortlessly transitioning from tender thrillers to grand-scale action flicks. Frequently, discussions about his work revolve around ‘Leon’ and ‘Ronin’, but his impressive body of work includes numerous roles demonstrating the array of characters he has portrayed across various genres such as crime dramas, historical pieces, comedies, and international collaborations. This collection compiles titles that underscore his adaptability within crime narratives, historical settings, lighthearted comedy, and co-productions from around the world.

Each entry provides information about the characters’ roles, the creative personnel involved in the movie, and the circumstances under which it was produced. This includes details about directors, main cast members, the original source material, filming locations, and other significant facts that help understand and locate these films more easily, ultimately enhancing their appreciation.

‘Wasabi’ (2001)

Jean Reno portrays Hubert Fiorentini, a tenacious police commissioner from Paris, who finds himself in an unforeseen situation when he journeys to Tokyo to wind up a late colleague’s affairs. To his surprise, he learns he has a 16-year-old daughter named Yumi. The narrative unfolds as Fiorentini attempts to safeguard Yumi amidst Tokyo’s criminal underworld, balancing high-octane action sequences in bustling cityscapes with an intricate blend of police work and family secrets unraveling.

The movie is helmed by Gérard Krawczyk (director) and Luc Besson (writer), starring Ryoko Hirosue as Yumi and Michel Muller as Hubert’s coworker Momo. Filming took place in both France and Japan, boasting a musical score by Éric Serra. This French production team collaborated with Japanese settings and actors to produce a film that features dialogue in both languages.

‘The Crimson Rivers’ (2000)

In simpler terms, the story presents Detective Pierre Niemans, an experienced investigator, who is dispatched to a secluded academic town due to a gruesome murder that seems connected to a series of ritualistic crimes. Simultaneously, another case is being handled by a younger officer, Vincent Cassel. As the narratives progress, they gradually intertwine, revealing academic mysteries and deceitful identities within this isolated community.

The movie was crafted by Mathieu Kassovitz and derived from the book penned by Jean Christophe Grangé. It’s a French production, with settings nestled amidst majestic mountains. Filming took place utilizing awe-inspiring landscapes and monumental structures to enhance the mood of the investigation. The movie adaptation’s triumph rekindled curiosity towards suspenseful literature in the realm of French cinema.

‘Empire of the Wolves’ (2005)

In the storyline, Jean Louis Schiffer, an experienced former cop, is introduced as he assists a younger commander investigating a string of murders connected to Paris’s Turkish community. The plot weaves among police procedurals, crime syndicates, and a subplot involving a woman grappling with memory problems that hint at a more profound identity crisis.

In this film adaptation of another novel by Jean Christophe Grangé, Chris Nahon takes the helm. Jocelyn Quivrin stars as Captain Paul Nerteaux and Arly Jover plays a key role related to the amnesia plotline. The production skillfully combines action and investigative aspects while utilizing Paris landmarks and local details to root the narrative in modern city life.

’22 Bullets’ (2010)

In simpler terms, the story revolves around Reno, portraying Charly Mattei – a retired gangster from Marseille who’s been through a life-threatening attack. His primary focus is now protecting his family, while he navigates through encounters with his old acquaintances. The narrative unfolds as he recovers, the police deal with increasing violence, and the power dynamics within the local criminal network change.

“The movie, titled ‘Jacky Imbert’-inspired, is directed by Richard Berry. It’s based on Franz Olivier Giesbert’s novel and delves into the endurance of traditional crime codes in contemporary organized crime. Primarily filmed in Marseille and its surrounding regions, it features Kad Merad portraying a tenacious investigator tracking the case across rival gangs.

‘Ruby & Quentin’ (2003)

Reno features Ruby, a silent safecracker who manages to break out of jail in order to accomplish a heist. Along the way, she encounters Quentin, a good-hearted but frequent criminal played by Gérard Depardieu. The story intertwines an escape from prison, a violent mob dispute, and a string of accidents that force these two individuals with contrasting personalities and aims to collaborate.

In the film titled ‘Tais Toi’, Francis Veber takes charge of both directing and scriptwriting. Set in Paris and rural areas, this production primarily employs intricate physical setups and clever dialogue timing that align with Veber’s signature style of contrasting elements in humorous crime scenarios. The secondary characters help weave Ruby’s personal grudge into a broader tapestry of criminal activities.

‘Le Chef’ (2012)

In the storyline, Reno takes on the role of Alexandre Lagarde, a highly respected figure in the culinary world whose restaurant is under threat due to corporate demands for trend-focused menus. Joining forces with Jacky Bonnot, an energetic chef portrayed by Michaël Youn, they collaborate within actual kitchens, experimenting with recipes and gearing up for inspections that will determine the fate of their establishment.

Daniel Cohen serves as director and co-writer, leveraging the realm of elite French cuisine and the intricate relationships between chefs and proprietors. The filming process managed to gain entry into authentic kitchen settings and employs bilingual dialogues to mirror its global audience. The cast features a mix of restaurant personnel and management, who delineate the business pressures concerning creative autonomy.

‘Flyboys’ (2006)

In this role, Reno takes on Captain Georges Thenault, leader of the Lafayette Escadrille – a group that welcomed American volunteers into French aviation during World War I. The story unfolds, focusing on their training, air battles, and squadron experiences, with an emphasis on flying techniques and the early military aviation procedures.

As an enthusiast, I’d say: “I’m captivated by Tony Bill’s direction in this project, where James Franco shines as the lead pilot. The stellar cast, including Martin Henderson and Jennifer Decker, truly bring the story to life. What sets this production apart is the use of full-scale flying replicas and advanced digital effects for thrilling dogfights. Scenes were filmed across various locations to authentically recreate airfields and rural landscapes. Historical consultants also provided invaluable insights into squadron organization and period equipment, making the overall experience even more immersive.

‘The Big Blue’ (1988)

In this rephrased version: The movie features Enzo Molinari, a top-tier free diver portrayed by Reno, whose contentious yet intimate relationship with Jacques Mayol forms the heart of the narrative. The plot unfolds as it details their competitions, rigorous training sessions, and the boundaries that characterize the sport, transitioning between the Mediterranean and exotic locations to showcase varying sea environments.

In this rephrased version: Luc Besson is the director of the movie, starring Jean Marc Barr as Jacques and Rosanna Arquette as an American office employee who becomes part of the underwater world. The film showcases a lot of underwater cinematography, along with music by Éric Serra, and it was released in distinct versions for European and North American audiences. This movie played a significant role in popularizing free diving culture by emphasizing techniques and record-breaking attempts.

‘The Adventurers’ (2017)

In this tale, Reno takes on the role of Pierre Bissette, a French detective hot on the trail of an international gang of thieves, headed by Andy Lau’s character. The narrative unfolds around a complex jewel heist that spans various locations, including museums, bustling city streets, and picturesque coastal venues.

In this new project, Stephen Fung serves as the director with Shu Qi being one of the main actors. This unique production unites film crews from Hong Kong, China’s mainland, and Europe. The diverse teams have chosen filming locations such as Prague and the French Riviera, providing a captivating blend of Central European and Mediterranean sceneries. To further enhance the storyline, which involves shifting between various agencies and legal systems, the production design incorporates multiple languages.

‘Cold Blood’ (2019)

In simpler, more conversational terms: Reno portrays Henry, a solitary ex-assassin who dwells by a secluded lake, maintaining specific habits to camouflage his past. However, his solitude is disrupted when he discovers an injured woman, forcing him to grapple with her presence without drawing unwanted attention from individuals eager for him to remain hidden.

The movie, titled “Cold Blood Legacy” in certain regions, was created by Frédéric Petitjean. This European production, primarily in English, boasts a compact cast and takes place primarily within a single setting. As the story progresses slowly, it unravels the backstories of its characters. The film’s visuals, with their winter landscapes and minimal indoor settings, mirror the solitary nature of the protagonist.

Why not share some underrated Jean Reno performances that you adore, and let’s all discuss them and perhaps find a hidden gem together?

2025-09-03 19:48