La Haine — Movie Quotes

This line is delivered by Hubert in voiceover at the beginning of the film, and a variation of it is repeated at the very end. It frames the entire narrative and encapsulates the film's core message about societal decay.

Translation: "It's the story of a guy/a society who falls and on his/its way down, he/it keeps telling himself/itself to be reassured: 'So far, so good, so far, so good, so far, so good.' The important thing isn't the fall, it's the landing." This quote is the central metaphor of the film, comparing the precarious state of the 'banlieues' and French society to a person in freefall, unaware or in denial of the inevitable, disastrous impact.

Hubert says this to Vinz during one of their arguments about the gun and the idea of revenge. It's a direct challenge to Vinz's belief that more violence is the answer to their problems.

Translation: "Hatred breeds hatred." This simple but profound statement is the film's thesis. It articulates Hubert's philosophy and the director's warning about the self-perpetuating cycle of violence that stems from social injustice and police brutality.

Saïd says this to Vinz when he first sees the stolen revolver, highlighting the immediate association between the gun and power within their environment.

Translation: "With a thing like that, you're the boss in the projects." This quote reflects the allure of power that the gun represents to the disenfranchised youths. In a world where they feel powerless, the weapon is seen as a way to gain status and respect.

The trio is on a rooftop in their housing project when they notice journalists filming them from a nearby building. Hubert shouts this line, expressing his frustration at their voyeuristic gaze.

Translation: "We're not in Thoiry here." Thoiry is a French safari park where visitors observe animals from a safe distance. Hubert's comment is a sharp rebuke to journalists who are filming them from afar as if they were animals in a zoo. It powerfully expresses his anger at being objectified and dehumanized by the media and mainstream society.