How a hostage-taking is managed right in the middle of a French presidential election.

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In April 1988, on the eve of the first round of the French presidential election, on the New Caledonian island of Ouvéa an independence group demonstrates against a law decreasing their rights. The Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS)'s initial intention is peaceful, but shots are fired in the sudden turmoil and four policemen die. When the FLNKS retreat with hostages, France sends 300 soldiers to fight against them. The captain of the special armed forces, Philippe Legorfus (Mathieu Kassovitz) tries to avoid an assault by opening dialogue with the FLNKS, but decisions are being made in light of the election far away in Paris...

The director of La haine again goes against the political classes, denouncing the manipulation of opinions made to inspire military manoeuvres, in a spirit that is perhaps too "us against them", but that he clearly stands behind. With this look into France's past, parallels can be made with today's presidential elections and what goes on in the background: not less cruel than a war, what's at stake for those pulling the strings is filmed as it occurs. Clocking in at 2 hours, 16 minutes, the film's DVD will most likely not include many deleted scenes...