The cow in La Haine

8 replies

RangeTesKopeks · 28/10/2017 22:26

Sorry - this is definitely the most random AIBU ever!!

I've watched the French film La Haine a few times now. I originally watched it when I studied it for A Level French and then watched it more recently.

Anyway, there's a bit in it where Vinz, one of the characters, talks about a cow and mentions it ('la vache') a couple of times. I've never worked out why. Is he hallucinating?

Thanks everyone :)

OP posts:

vinzislit · 13/01/2025 12:15

The cow in La Haine does have a meaning. In jewish culture, there is something about a red cow meaning death. You can argue that this hints at his death throughout the film. Hope this helps.

Original poster

RangeTesKopeks · 28/10/2017 22:53

Thanks everyone :) yes I've heard about 'la vache' as a swear word. I just wondered if it might be something different, as I'm sure there's one bit where Vinz actually talks about a cow rather than saying 'oh la vache'.

OP posts:

MyBrilliantDisguise · 28/10/2017 22:37

OK can see others got there before me!

MyBrilliantDisguise · 28/10/2017 22:36

Just asked my daughter for you - she studied French film for her degree and spent a lot of time on that film!

ZooeyAndFranny · 28/10/2017 22:36

“oh la vache” means “bloody hell” and it regularly gets shortened to “la vache”

So it is probably just an expletive

Deschain · 28/10/2017 22:35

Can't answer you question OP,I was too busy drooling over Vincent Cassell to monitor cow symbolism, but did you know they're doing a sequel?

www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/03/la-haine-film-sequel-20-years-on-france

Floellabumbags · 28/10/2017 22:33

Yup, it's slang.

bettys · 28/10/2017 22:32

Haven't seen the film.....but isn't 'la vache' slang like saying 'oh bloody hell' or something?

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