Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Sami Bouajila | ... | Ismael | |
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Nozha Khouadra | ... | Yasmine |
Philippe Ambrosini | ... | Ludo | |
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Ouassini Embarek | ... | Mouloud |
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Sofiane Madjid Mammeri | ... | Rhida (as Sofiane Mammeri) |
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Jamila Darwich-Farah | ... | La tante |
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Benaïssa Ahaouari | ... | L'oncle (as Benhaïssa Ahouari) |
Moussa Maaskri | ... | Renard | |
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Frédéric Andrau | ... | Jacky |
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Christian Mazucchini | ... | Yvon |
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Bernard Llopis | ... | Popaul |
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Marie Borowski | ... | Bobo |
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André Neyton | ... | Marcel |
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Emmanuel-Georges Delajoie | ... | Mabrouk |
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Bakhta Tayeb | ... | La grand-mère |
In Paris, Ismaél, a young Tunisian, cares for two brothers, Nouredine, a cripple, and streetwise Mouloud, 14. In haste, Ismaél and Mouloud go to Marseilles where an uncle lives. Nouredine has died in a fire, and Ismaél feels guilt on top of grief. Ismaél becomes friends with Jacky, a white man whose father and brother hate immigrants. Mouloud hangs out with cousin Rhida who breaks Islamic rules and deals hash. Ismaél decides Mouloud must return to Tunisia, but the boy runs off, becoming an acolyte to Rhida's supplier. Ismaél and Jacky's Arab girlfriend start an affair, friends betray friends, and the racism gets ugly. Can Ismaél rescue himself and Mouloud or will life in France crush them? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
i've been writing my dissertation on this film (along with 'douce France'and hexagone) It's a very serious look at the issues surrounding racial tensions, generation gaps and a clash between eastern and western culture. It deals with intense topics without being overly worthy.
None of the characters are 2d...they all have multi faceted personalities which propels the story along realistically. The flashbacks Ismail has of Nouredine at the end of the film will truly make you ache.
If you're interested in exploring 'beur cinema' (the academic term, not mine!) and the representations of social issues such as poverty, discrimination and identity then definitely watch this.