Francis Reynaud, from the famous TV series "Central Nuit", is the main character in this film playing the other side of the story, the "taulard", who's got to play by the rules of cops who act like criminals to get others like them to jail. He's such a good actor that from his looks alone you can tell he's suffered a lot, hasn't much left to loose, and consequently, is basically the perfect tool x what they want. Huge-eyed Lubna Azabal, from "Pardise now", also has an interesting character, somebody with probably too many responsibilities but sensitive, sound and capable of having fun. Not a stereotyped "suffering moaning hysterical" like in many machist films we endure even nowadays.
I agree with GUENOT PHILIPPE from IMDb that it's: "genuine downbeat tale, very depressing, with absolutely no hope".
On a more modern note, it's interesting how cellulars are so important nowadays, that getting "one that is really untraceable" is like the "Holy Grial" now... at least for thiefs :).
My favourite character is Ness. Again, his empty look shows he's a lost soul, but he's too young and inexperienced, so he's got to boast and pretend to be something he just never happen. We all know people like Ness. When he doesn't want his family to see a picture of him "with a cup like that on his head" (in a "thug" fashion) we see through the banlieue's kid: he's just that. Even if he's wielding a gun :).
We see a different Paris than the one at least us tourists usually rant about. The police is just part of the "people of the night", not some superior beings out of a police academy's poster. This film is just great! Others in this "Serie noire" are disappointing. Maybe the script and director make a difference, in any case, give them a chance by watching more than one! Enjoy!