“Who am I to judge what Hélène did? » explains Izïa Higelin, his interpreter in “The Gang of the Amazons”

The Amazon Gang may not remind you of anything, but the deeds of these five childhood friends made headlines when they robbed banks in the 1990s. Director Melissa Drigeard adapted this incredible story with a group of spirited actresses – Laura Felpin, Lyna Khoudri, Izïa Higelin, Kenza Fortas and Mallory Wanecque. It shows how these ordinary, desperate young women became outlaws. More than a thriller, The Amazon Gang delves into the reality of friends at the end of their tether who find no other solution than violence to survive. The actress Izïa Higelin worked on her role with Hélène, the real Amazon she plays.

An Amazon’s Point of View

“What we did is inexcusable because, even if we didn’t kill anyone, we scared people who hadn’t asked for anything,” admits Hélène. She formed a beautiful, friendly, even close, relationship with Izïa Higelin. “Who am I to judge what Hélène did? », says the actress. I have always lived in a privileged environment and have never faced the difficulties she encountered. I could never really put myself in his shoes.” We are moved by the distress of the heroines and admired by their incredible resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

“Thirty-five years have passed,” declares Hélène, “I am aware of having hurt those close to me, but this film is an opportunity to explain and reveal how we got there. He gives me the floor for the first time.” The director does not glorify the Amazons: she shows their journey in a sober way, emphasizing their friendship. “It’s a social film, more than a heist film, but one doesn’t preclude the other. We created a complicit relationship with the other actresses and Mélissa. I imagine it looked like the one that bound the Amazons,” explains Izïa Higelin. Hélène confirms: “I sometimes had the impression of seeing myself younger on screen thanks to Izïa. It was a strange feeling.”

As if we were there

Action scenes and intimate sequences intertwine harmoniously. “We can’t summarize lives in two hours of film, especially since there were so many of us,” insists Hélène. Mélissa Drigeard knew how to get closer to reality. It really resembles what we shared even if it all seems very distant to me now.” The life force that emanates from her character still seems to exist in this warm-hearted sixty-year-old.

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“I am happy to find kindness and understanding thanks to the film,” admits Hélène. After a stint in prison, Hélène and her accomplices lead a peaceful life. “It would be great to make a second film to tell what they experienced afterwards,” jokes Izïa Higelin. We really wouldn’t have anything against finding the Amazons.