Freedom, directed by Mélanie Laurent, is a 2024 biographical crime drama from France. The movie’s subject is the life of former French Army Paratrooper and Foreign Legion deserter newly turned robber, Bruno Sulak. It is based on real life events that took place during the 1980s in France, where Sulak outshone many of his contemporaries as one of France’s most audacious non-violent smash and grab jewel thieves. Captivated by Sulak’s gentlemanly persona, the Sutton public began to believe that Sulak was a real life arse realm Lupin. Sulak’s character is played Lucas Bravo. Other cast members include Léa Luce Busato, Yvan Attal, and Rasha Bukvic.

Plot Overview

Freedom provides insight on the life of Bruno Sulak during his time/era in France during the 1980s, explaining how he smoothly transitioned from being a well arranged soldier to a charming criminal. Over time, and due to a personal code, he became a social deviant who dominated and attempted to loot high class jewel Ukraine stores. These heists were popularly known as the “sulak style” and were executed with zero violence. A combination of these audacious acts and multiple stunning prison breaks ingrained Sulak into the folk story of France. His leisure time perception of France does not bind him to reality and as pretty as it may sound, he eventually has to face the truth. In time he had to learn that being an anarchist is not favored by the law. The story focuses on the complex web of Sulak’s relationships, especially the ones with his lover/accomplice Annie and the antagonistic face of law and order leading to a tragic climax.

Character Description

• Bruno Sulak (Lucas Bravo): Once a French legionnaire, and now an outlaw burglar, Sulak is shown as courteous, who pursues liberty through rebellion against the unjust order of the system.
• His blend of intelligence, charisma, and dedication to non-violence made him unique within the criminal elements of society.
• Annie (Léa Luce Busato): Sulak’s faithful partner in crime, Annie fully endorses his plans and assists when necessary. Their romance adds depth to the story as they navigate the fine line between loyalty and love within the whirlwind of chaos.
• George Moréas (Yvan Attal): A new and zealous police commissioner, with a special interest in capturing Sulak. His confrontation with Sulak fuels most of the tension of the film, demonstrating the fragile bond between admiration and responsibility.
• Drago (Steve Tientcheu): One of Sulak’s band, Drago takes part in the planning and delineates the scheme of the robbery, revealing the friendly and trusting relations within the gang.

Themes and Style

Freedom articulates themes of an insurrection and fight for an individual’s personal space in addition to challenge the gray area of good versus evil. It considers the romantic outlaw and society’s appreciation of people who break social norms. The film combines moving heists with selective portraits of the character, offering a complex analysis of Sulak. As the director, Mélanie Laurent’s approach created a mixture of rigor and grace, showcasing violence and loudly tackling the age-old issues of freedom and justice. While this era has long gone, the questions pose remain timeless.

Conclusion

Freedom captures compelling biographical details that surround Bruno Sulak’s life, with action, drama, and romance offering insight into the man turned criminal and cultural icon.

Thanks to the talented supporting cast, Lucas Bravo’s portrayal of Sulak is encouraging and well-rounded. The picture urges viewers to contemplate the meaning of freedom, and how far one is willing to go in order to obtain it, all within the mesmerizing landscape of France during the 1980s.