Six Days, a remake of the 2013 Korean thriller Montage, premiered in France on January 1st, directed by Juan Carlos Medina. The film follows an investigator’s desperate attempt to capture a kidnapper before the statute of limitations expires on a ten-year-old case, featuring strong performances from Sami Bouajila and Julie Gayet. Audience reactions are mixed, with some praising the gripping tension and performances, while others criticize the narrative and execution.
The Origin of Six Days: A Thrilling Remake
Six Days draws its inspiration from the 2013 Korean thriller Montage, which has yet to see a release in France. Directed by the talented Juan Carlos Medina, known for his work on Insensibles, this gripping remake hit French theaters on January 1st. The film preserves the original’s central theme: an investigator’s frantic race against time to apprehend a kidnapper before the statute of limitations runs out on a decade-old case.
Featuring powerful performances from Sami Bouajila and Julie Gayet, Six Days is set against the backdrop of Northern France. To enhance authenticity, Medina consulted a former head of the B.R.I. (Brigade de Recherche et d’Intervention) during the filmmaking process. But how have audiences responded to this adaptation?
Audience Reactions to Six Days
With an impressive average rating of 3.4 out of 5 from 58 reviews*, Six Days stands out as the highest-rated film by Medina, surpassing both Insensibles and GOLEM, which each received a score of 3.1. Sami Bouajila’s last notable performance came in 2022’s Les Miens, which garnered a score of 3.5, while Julie Gayet’s recent TV movie, The Story of Annette Zelman, achieved a higher rating of 3.8 in 2023.
Viewers have shared their thoughts on Six Days, with Charlene R. exclaiming, “Very good thriller with a gripping atmosphere and interesting twists,” awarding it a perfect score of 5 out of 5. She praised Bouajila’s performance as “truly excellent.” Anna Picault echoed this sentiment, labeling him as “always exceptional” and Marine Alexandre found him “particularly convincing.” Another viewer noted, “The script, the actors, and the direction captivated me for 1h35; I didn’t see the time pass!”
Billon Alexandre, also giving the film a 5-star rating, assures potential viewers that the trailer doesn’t reveal the film’s essence. He describes it as filled with unexpected twists, maintaining a constant tension reminiscent of the classic film Seven. Bart Sampson points out that Six Days successfully fits within the ‘Scandinoir’ genre, showcasing a gripping narrative with a strong performance from Gayet as a mourning mother seeking vengeance.
While many found the suspense engaging, not all viewers were impressed. Laurent A. rated it 2 out of 5, calling it “a disappointing thriller” that felt more like a TV movie rather than a cinematic experience. He criticized the unrealistic storyline and the lack of credibility in the script and performances. Guigui Paul echoed this sentiment with a 1.5 out of 5 rating, describing it as a poorly written thriller filled with clichés. Benoît C. lamented the film’s confusing direction, stating, “The film is poorly made; we understand nothing, it goes in all directions.”
In conclusion, Six Days has sparked a variety of opinions among viewers. While some celebrate Bouajila’s performance and the film’s tension, others express frustration over the narrative’s execution and overall ambition. What are your thoughts on Six Days?
* Ratings taken on Thursday, January 2, 2025.