Any Canadian film that makes fun of Gary Bettman is a winner. While that is amazing, that point is one of many truly wonderful elements in Bon Cop, Bad Cop.
Martin Ward (Colm Feore) is Ontario and by the book. David Bouchard (Patrick Huard) is Quebec and not by the book. They have to come together to work on a case.
As interesting as the case may or may not be, the adventure comes in every small detail along the way. Language is crucial at key moments. Don't feel bad if you have to pause the film at points.
The chemistry and the script are sensational. You feel like you want the film to last twice as long, which is not to be confused with the sequel Bon Cop Bad Cop II, which is not nearly as good as the original.
There is also tension between the detectives because Bouchard is interested in Ward's sister Iris (Sarain Boylan).
You don't have to be a hockey fan to get some of the references, though that helps if you are a hockey fan.
We recommend using subtitles when watching the film, regardless of which language you speak.
Bilingual Canadian actors tend to flow from French to English
Canadian film review: French Immersion
If you are a fan of the Bon Cop Bad Cop film, keep Kevin Tierney in mind. Tierney was involved in multiple elements of the film world. He saw a desire to explore the bilingual issue in Canadian film. The success of Bon Cop Bad Cop led him to do the film French Immersion, which we also recommend.
Tierney's son Jacob Tierney might be more familiar from his career as a filmmaker and as co-creator of Letterkenny.
Kevin Tierney co-wrote Bon Cop Bad Cop with Huard as well as Leila Basen and Alex Epstein. Érik Canuel directed the film.
Canadian film review: Bon Cop Bad Cop 2
Trying to find the quintessential Canadian film
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This may be the quintessential Canadian film, if one has to select a film title. The film is accessible, fun, silly, and clever. So very clever.
The 2006 film received 10 Genies nominations in 2007, winning 2 Genie Awards for Best Motion Picture and Overall Sound.
Bon Cop Bad Cop is available in Canada on CBC Gem and Netflix in the United States.
photo credit: Bon Cop Bad Cop
video credit: YouTube/ParkExPictures
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