Let Sleeping Cops Lie (1988)

Let Sleeping Cops Lie Poster
Original Title: Ne réveillez pas un flic qui dort

This movie tells the story of a group of right-wing cops have begun carrying out vigilante justice on drug dealers and other crime figures who might otherwise avoid punishment for their misdeeds. Police inspector Grindel (Delon) understands the feelings which motivate these deeds, but does not approve. However, he is not highly motivated to put an end to the group's activities until it begins to appear that they are now attacking fellow cops for reasons which are unclear.

Title: Let Sleeping Cops Lie
Also Known As: Ne réveillez pas un flic qui dort
Year of Release: 1988
Directed by: José Pinheiro
Written by: Jacques Audiard, José Frèches, Christopher Frank, and Michel Vianey
Starring: Alain Delon, Michel Serrault, Fiona Gélin

Plot Summary
"Let Sleeping Cops Lie" is a French criminal activity thriller film that focuses on a vigilante group of law enforcement officer and the investigation performed by 2 detectives, Eugene Grindel and Roger Scatti.

The movie begins with a string of harsh vigilante killings in Paris, where lawbreakers are being summarily executed by a strange group of guys. The group calls themselves "The New Knights of the City" and claim to be taking justice into their own hands, as they think the judicial system fails to properly penalize the wrongdoers. They target drug dealerships, rapists, and killers, allowing the worry of their presence to grip the city.

Detective Eugene Grindel (Alain Delon) and his not likely partner, Officer Roger Scatti (Michel Serrault), are appointed to the case. Grindel is an extremely appreciated and experienced detective however is understood for his unorthodox approaches, while Scatti is a more reserved, by-the-book officer. The set initially clash due to their differences in method and character, but their shared determination to resolve the case eventually brings them together.

As Grindel and Scatti dive deeper into the case, they discover a connection between the vigilante group and a high-ranking police authorities, Commissioner Grimaud (Patrick Catalifo). Grimaud is a widely-respected officer who is adamant about restoring order in the city. However, it becomes clear that he is secretly using the vigilante group to attain his goal. This discovery puts the two detectives in a precarious position as they realize that a member of their own force is associated with these acts of vigilantism.

Grindel and Scatti choose to keep their findings a trick from their colleagues, as they fear that revealing Grimaud's involvement could cause more harm than great. They continue their examination on their own, with the aid of reporter Marie Kubiak (Fiona Gélin), who has actually been following the case considering that the beginning and has important information and connections that show beneficial to the investigators.

As the two investigators pursue the significantly unsafe vigilante group, they are met multiple barriers and challenges, both from the lawbreakers and their own associates. Grimaud, unaware of their suspicions, designates another officer to monitor their development and guarantee that they do not uncover his participation in the vigilante group.

Climax and Resolution
In the climax, Grindel successfully infiltrates the vigilante group and handles to protect evidence of their criminal offenses, as well as their connection to Grimaud. The movie culminates in a high-octane chase series, throughout which Grindel is pursued by the group.

Wounded and cornered, Grindel is conserved by the timely intervention of Scatti, who has put aside his previous reservations and completely supports his partner's objective to lower the vigilante group. Together, they handle to beat the group and expose Grimaud, causing his arrest and the subsequent disbanding of the vigilante group.

"Let Sleeping Cops Lie" concludes with Grindel and Scatti relishing their success while assessing the dark side of police, which they have managed to expose. The duo emerges more powerful from their ordeal, having actually formed a bond of mutual respect and appreciation.

In general, the movie acts as an extreme and gritty crime thriller, showcasing the complexities and nuances of justice and the obstacles policeman face while supporting the law in a world plagued by criminal activity. The strong performances of Alain Delon and Michel Serrault further elevate the movie, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Top Cast

  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Commissaire Eugène Grindel
  • Michel Serrault (small)
    Michel Serrault
    Roger Scatti
  • Patrick Catalifo (small)
    Patrick Catalifo
    Peret
  • Xavier Deluc (small)
    Xavier Deluc
    Lutz
  • Raymond Gérôme (small)
    Raymond Gérôme
    chief inspector Cazalières
  • Bernard Farcy (small)
    Bernard Farcy
    Inspector Latueva
  • Serge Reggiani (small)
    Serge Reggiani
    Le Stéphanois