La Haine (Mathieu Kassovitz, 1995)

Released in 1995, La Haine is the black and white chronicle of 24 hours in the life of a mixed-race young male trio from a run-down Parisian suburb. The work of a then unknown young team (director and actors were all under 30), it became hugely and unexpectedly successful, launching director Mathieu Kassovitz and lead player Vincent Cassel to stardom. The film's combination of hard-hitting social expose, stylish black and white cinematography and hiphop culture also turned it into an enduring cult movie with younger viewers.