"The French Connection" is a 1971 crime thriller film directed by William Friedkin. It follows two New York City detectives, Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle and Buddy Russo, as they attempt to intercept a large shipment of heroin from France. The film is known for its gritty realism and intense action sequences, including a famous car chase through the streets of Brooklyn. The screenplay, written by Ernest Tidyman, is based on a true story and the book by Robin Moore. The film received critical acclaim and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Gene Hackman, and Best Director. Its influence on the crime genre is still felt today.