Two Parisian cops are on the trail of a murderous and well drilled gang of armed robbers. Their paths clash as each is up for the position of CID Boss and the catching of the criminals becomes a sideline when a corrupt power struggle begins to develop.
36 Quai des Orfevres is the address of the C.I.D headquarters in Paris as familiar to the French as Scotland Yard is to the English.
Although delivering an extremely entertaining film, the Director, Olivier Marchal (himself a Gendarme for 12 years) over indulges himself and the serpentine plot almost spirals out of control.
Without a doubt, 36 is a flawed, cliche ridden production but it is also stylish and fast paced and the acting from two serious heavyweights, Daniel Auteuil and Gerard Depardieu is impeccable.
As a realistic portrayal of inner city French policing, 36 falls way short. The main protagonists are heavy drinking, unscrupulous and occasionally brutal guardians of the law.
There are a few too many killings which hinder the plot and I'm sure the Paris tourist board are not too happy that their city is portrayed as a crime ridden war zone.
There are also some serious holes in the plot that you could drive a seriously big truck through but for all its faults, 36 is a very likable movie.
It is intense, super slick and relentless and as entertaining a movie you could possibly wish to see. Catch it now before Hollywood re-makes it. 
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