Love Songs for Tough Guys

Love Songs for Tough Guys is a 2021 French film. It is a comedy about an aging gang of crooks who have to deal with a younger gang on their turf. It stars François Damiens, Ramzy Bedia, Vanessa Paradis, Gustave Kervern, JoeyStarr, Bouli Lanners, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi.

Background
The film is a French-Belgian production. It was staged by Single Man Productions and JM Films. It was directed by Samuel Benchetrit who also wrote the screenplay with Gábor Rassov. The cinematographer was Pierre Aïm. The editing was done by Clémence Diard. It was produced by Julien Madon, with co-producers, Joseph Rouschop and Jean-Yves Roubin.

Story
It is centred around an aged criminal gang who do their illegal business at a shipping port. An accountant owes money to the boss. One of the gang members is sent to track him down and is somehow roped into taking part in a play. They have to deal with the actions of a gang on the same port who are much younger and take shots at them.

Reception
Samuel Benchetrit of Cineuropa called it a tribute to poetry, theatre and art. Matilda Marseillaise noted the aging gang members finding their softer sides while struggling to suppress their violent natures which occasionally come up. Calling it a joy to watch, the reviewer also said it was a "thoroughly enjoyable comedic journey into the lives of men finding their softer sides".

Cast

 * François Damiens - Jeff
 * Vanessa Paradis - Suzanne
 * JoeyStarr - Jesus
 * Valeria Bruni Tedeschi - Katia
 * Constance Rousseau - Roxanne
 * Jules Benchetrit - Rudy
 * Ramzy Bedia - Neptune
 * Gustave Kervern - Jacky
 * Bouli Lanners - Poussin
 * Raphaelle Doyle - Jessica
 * Vincent Macaigne - Eric Lamb