Le Cercle Rouge is visually arresting and powerful in its silence.  There is not much dialogue and the silence creates a more dramatic cinematic language as it draws more attention to the story and the great moments of the actors’ performance. By creating a cool, calm atmosphere with immaculate camerawork and precise editing rhythms, his style and message move with his actors as they deliver their soulful performances.

Melville’s themes embody the spirit of honor, loyalty, and tragic destiny among characters played by fate.  These classic themes are also found in ancient Chinese and Japanese philosophies and cultures. I believe in this kind of romanticism. These valuable lessons of spiritual morality draw me into his movies and make me feel like we are in the same world. The romantic values of friendship and brotherhood expressed in this movie are almost impossible to find today.  They are another reason why Le Cercle Rouge became a classic gangster film.

There is no mistaking that Le Cercle Rouge is a Jean-Pierre Melville movie, as all of the elements synchronize to his vision. Melville was the coolest, most stylish auteur of his time. I've long admired him for his spirit and his movies. He's had a great influence on my work.   John Woo, December 2002