David Belle is the founder of Parkour, and his sequences in this film are legendary.

The stakes are raised when a corrupt government faction, the DISS, frames the inhabitants of District 13 for the murder of police officers to justify "clearing" the area with a tactical strike. Leïto and Damien must unite the rival gangs—ranging from the Chinese Triads to the skinheads—to take down the conspiracy and save their home.

The film captures a unique European hip-hop aesthetic that influenced many action films that followed.

Cyril Raffaelli’s fight scenes are expertly choreographed, blending traditional combat with acrobatic flair.