Jacques Mesrine was a notorious French criminal known for his bank robberies and prison escapes during the 1960s and 1970s. He gained fame for his flamboyant lifestyle and was often referred to as the "Public Enemy Number One" in France. Mesrine's criminal activities spanned multiple countries, and he became a symbol of anti-establishment rebellion. His life inspired several films, including the two-part movie Mesrine: Killer Instinct and Mesrine: Public Enemy Number One, which depict his rise and fall. Mesrine was ultimately killed in a police shootout in 1979, leaving behind a controversial legacy that continues to fascinate many.