Dossier K. [2009]

Plot: Nazim Tahiri (Belrim Desani) finds out that his father has been murdered in Antwerp by members of the rival Gaba clan. Kanun, an Albanian law from the 15th century, forces Nazim to take revenge. He goes to Antwerp, where his godfather, Prenk Shehu (R. Kan Albay), leads the family mafia businesses.

Police officer Vincke (Keon De Bouw) is in charge of finding out what is going on in the world of the Albanian Mafia clans.

This starts off  with powerful opening scene between a wolf hunter in the Albanian mountains and an assassination in the port of Antwerp. The identities of the hunter and the murdered man aren't initially revealed, but the two are already visually connected.Vincke and Verstuyft investigate the case of the Antwerp victim, and the trail quickly leads to the local Albanian mafia. However, the burly local Albanian clan leader (R. Kan Albay), denies knowing the dead man. 

Dossier K derives much of its atmosphere, and several clever plot points from an underworld that is part clan-based, part steeped in the traditions of a foreign culture. The rural Albanians respect for their book of laws and honor, the Kanun, plays a special role here, and is timely: Vincke and Verstuyft provide not only collegial banter but also have to butt heads with their unhelpful colleagues on the Belgian judiciary police, including Filip Peeters and Jappe Claes, with Claes especially impressive as the oily prosecutor. When one of Vincke and Verstuyft's colleagues, and a potential love interest, is caught in the line of fire, the film becomes unexpectedly moving and shows the day-to-day risks of police work. 

A must watch if you like mob films like Eastern Promises or just like movies in general.

Rate - 8/10