Thomas (Duris) is a young Rachman in the making - a ruthless Parisian slum landlord who is more than happy to use intimidation to get what he wants.

One course of action involves letting loose a sack of squirming rats into a building he wants to get his hands on cheaply.

However, we see a gentler side to him when he runs into a concert impresario who used to book his musically-gifted mother.

Thomas's interest in classical piano is re-kindled...but he is torn beneath the noble arts and a life of brutal deal-making alongside his intimidating father.

Director Jacques Audiard made the sublime Read My Lips and his deft touch has clearly not deserted him in this excellent drama.

Originally filmed by James Toback as Fingers (with Harvey Keitel) it is bestowed a darker edge with the piano literally the instrument that may save him.

There is no attempt to soften the characters of Thomas or his father which only goes to add an air of gritty authenticity to his crisis of conscience.