District 13: Ultimatum
Damien and Leito return to the chaotic confines of District 13 to stabilize a neighborhood ripped apart by rival gangs. The area is split among five powerful bosses, each holding sway over different blocks, and fear pushes residents to live in constant danger. The two allies, seasoned by past... Read more
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About District 13: Ultimatum
Damien and Leito return to the chaotic confines of District 13 to stabilize a neighborhood ripped apart by rival gangs. The area is split among five powerful bosses, each holding sway over different blocks, and fear pushes residents to live in constant danger. The two allies, seasoned by past confrontations, dive back into the pulse of the district, coordinating quick strikes and covert moves to restore a fragile balance before it collapses completely. The city authorities watch from the shadows, ready to deploy drastic measures if the unrest persists. As the clock ticks, narrow escapes and tense standoffs test their trust in one another while the fate of the community hangs in the balance. Behind the scenes, alliances shift as each boss tries to leverage the newcomers' presence to gain advantage.
Directed by Patrick Alessandrin and built from Luc Besson's District 13 concept, Ultimatum arrived in 2009 as a high octane sequel that expands the parkour influenced combat and urban pursuit threads of the original. It keeps the lean, hard hitting sensibility while dialing up the scale and edge of the stunts, set against a densely packed urban backdrop. With a budget of 15 million, it aimed for dense action and practical effects.
Known for its parkour heavy sequences and brisk pacing, the film helped solidify the District 13 approach to action cinema and sparked broader interest in freerunning as an on screen discipline. The collaboration between Cyril Raffaelli and David Belle anchors the relentless pursuit through cramped streets and stairwells, turning chase scenes into a signature draw. Its success also helped attract audiences to European action cinema and influenced later freerunning focused sequences.
Critics noted the brisk tempo and focus on loyalty, grit, and survival in a city where institutions fail to protect residents. Some reviews praised the stunt choreography and practical effects, while others argued the plot remains thin compared to the action, but the film's tension and stakes give it a clear, urgent tone. The film also leans into themes of community resilience and the pressure of keeping order in a divided urban space.
Worldwide box office gross was 14,103,752.
Details
- Release Date
- February 18, 2009
- Runtime
- 1h 41m
- Rating
- R
- User Ratings
- 1,229 votes
- Type
- Movie
- Genres
- Action, Thriller, Crime
- Country
- France
- Collection
- District 13 Collection
- Studio
- CinéCinéma +4 more
- Budget
- $15,000,000
- Box Office
- $14,103,752
- External Links
- View on IMDB
Official Trailer
Cast
Cyril Raffaelli
Damien
David Belle
Leïto
Philippe Torreton
Le Président de la République
Daniel Duval
Walter Gassman
Élodie Yung
Tao
MC Jean Gab'1
Molko
James Deano
Karl le skin
Laouni Mouhid
Ali-K
Fabrice Feltzinger
Little Montana
Pierre-Marie Mosconi
Roland
Director: Patrick Alessandrin
Written by: Luc Besson