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Though this is an important piece of Arab Cinema, which has been circulating in French territories for a couple of years, it appears to be unknown in the English speaking market.It centres on Biyouna, an actress widely known in her own country, here playing what they call a Mafia madam, first encountered collecting her valuables at the jail check out and being met by associates, who drop off her keys and leave her alone - like Denzel Washington in American GANGSTER. The bulk of the film is extended flashbacks, taking her up to this point.History, religion, scams, beautiful people, great music, strong two dimensional characters, intriguing Algiers settings (still recognizable from PEPE le MOKO) - a detailed picture of a corrupt society of which the central character is representative. The expert filmcraft never drags in it's two hours plus though the film lacks the strong resolution to turn it into a major work.Finding a film of this ambition is a reminder of how little we know of Arab movies, indeed Arab life and suggests what we maybe missing.That's something quite important at this moment.
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