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Coup de torchon

1981 · Movie · 128 min · ★ 7.0 · 78% critics

ComedyCrimeDrama

In a small French colonial town in West Africa on the eve of World War II, a meek, mocked police chief decides he’s had enough of being everyone’s punching bag. Seeking a fresh start, he embraces corruption and escalating violence, turning the community’s hypocrisy and racism into fuel for a darkly comic, morally slippery reckoning.

Based on Pop. 1280

Also known as Clean Slate

Where to watch

Streaming on HBO Max.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
1981
Release date
1981-11-04
Language
French
Runtime
128 min
Critic score
78/100
TMDB rating
7.0/10 (216 votes)
Box office
$16,500,000
About

If you enjoy dark comedy mixed with noir-style revenge and colonial-era hypocrisy, this could click, especially if you like Serie Noire or Buffet Froid; Not for you if you want uplifting stories or clear-cut heroes.

Pros: darkly funny satire; strong lead performance; sharp, pithy dialogue | Cons: bleak racism themes; uneven pacing late; subtitles may confuse

Themes

  • adultery
  • based on novel or book
  • love triangle
  • dark comedy
  • murder
  • police corruption
  • mistress
  • racism
  • french noir
  • framed for a crime
  • public humiliation
  • open marriage
  • +15 more

Awards & recognition

  • Academy AwardBest International Feature Film · 1983 · nominated
  • International Submission to the Academy Awards · 1983 · nominated
  • César AwardBest Actress · 1982 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Bertrand Tavernier