District B13
Set in the ghettos of Paris in 2010, an undercover cop and ex-thug try to infiltrate a gang in order to defuse a neutron bomb.
The film disappointed at the box office against its tight budget of $12.0M, earning $11.2M globally (-7% loss).
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
District B13 (2004) exemplifies precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Pierre Morel's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 24 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Leïto navigates his rooftop world in District B13, a walled-off ghetto ruled by gangs. He's a skilled parkour expert trying to keep his neighborhood clean of drugs.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Taha's men capture Lola as revenge for the destroyed drugs. Leïto tries to save her but is betrayed by a corrupt cop and imprisoned, leaving Lola in Taha's hands.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 63 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Damien enters the disarm code, but discovers the bomb was set to detonate IN B13, not accidentally - the government planned to destroy the entire district and its residents. Betrayal revealed., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 67 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale: Damien and Leïto fight to broadcast evidence of the government conspiracy. They successfully transmit proof, forcing officials to disarm the bomb and promise reform for B13., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
District B13's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping District B13 against these established plot points, we can identify how Pierre Morel utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish District B13 within the action genre.
Pierre Morel's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Pierre Morel films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. District B13 takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Pierre Morel filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Pierre Morel analyses, see Freelance, Taken and From Paris with Love.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Leïto navigates his rooftop world in District B13, a walled-off ghetto ruled by gangs. He's a skilled parkour expert trying to keep his neighborhood clean of drugs.
Theme
A character mentions that the government has abandoned B13, establishing the theme of social division and whether those in power care about the forgotten.
Worldbuilding
Leïto destroys Taha's drug cache and we see the world of B13: a lawless zone abandoned by police, ruled by crime lord Taha. Leïto's relationship with his sister Lola is established.
Disruption
Taha's men capture Lola as revenge for the destroyed drugs. Leïto tries to save her but is betrayed by a corrupt cop and imprisoned, leaving Lola in Taha's hands.
Resistance
Six months later. Damien, an elite undercover cop, is introduced. The government reveals a neutron bomb has been stolen in B13 and will detonate in 24 hours. Damien debates taking the mission.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
Damien and Leïto begin their uneasy partnership. Leïto represents the abandoned citizens, Damien represents the system. Their relationship will test whether cooperation across the divide is possible.
Premise
Parkour action showcase as Damien and Leïto navigate B13's dangers, fight through gang territories, and work toward Taha's headquarters where the bomb is located. The "fun and games" of their skills combining.
Opposition
Fighting intensifies with Taha's forces. Damien works to disarm the bomb while managing escalating combat. Leïto begins to suspect the government's true intentions regarding B13.
Collapse
Damien enters the disarm code, but discovers the bomb was set to detonate IN B13, not accidentally - the government planned to destroy the entire district and its residents. Betrayal revealed.
Crisis
Damien grapples with his loyalty to a corrupt system. Leïto confronts him about the government's willingness to commit genocide. The moral crisis: follow orders or do what's right?
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: Damien and Leïto fight to broadcast evidence of the government conspiracy. They successfully transmit proof, forcing officials to disarm the bomb and promise reform for B13.