Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Bouzid Negnoug | ... | Omar |
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Nabil Ghalem | ... | Hacène |
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Galamelah Lagra | ... | Farid |
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Kenza Bouanika | ... | Zohra |
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Khereddine Ennasri | ... | Rabah |
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Rezlan Benamar | ... | Saïda |
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Rabah Benamar | ... | Idriss |
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Abdelkarim Chebel | ... | Sélim |
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Ali Bellakhal | ... | Nasser |
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Sonia Ayadi | ... | Nadia |
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Sofiane Abbas | ... | Kamel |
Mohamed Fellag | ... | Bouzid | |
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Amina Medjoubi | ... | Messaouda |
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Lounès Tazairt | ... | Saïd |
François Morel | ... | Monsieur Grand |
The story takes place in France in 1965, and begins as Algeria celebrates the third anniversary of its independence. We are in "chaâba", that is to say in "village", a village inhabited by the Algerian community recently immigrated and made up of women, men and many children. The village is actually a shantytown, located on the outskirts of a metropolis. Le Gone du chaâba is a chronicle of daily life, essentially perceived from the point of view of children ("gone" means "kid" in a Lyon dialect), and particularly from the point of view of Omar, gone main. The daily life of a shanty town is first and foremost the mud, omnipresent, the only coveted fountain, the only toilet, discussions, meals, collective rites, such as circumcision, water leaks , fires, the search for treasure at the landfill and, for children, school. In the summer of 1966, the slum gradually emptied of its inhabitants, who were gradually rehoused in huge HLM bars.
Decent movie, but as said above, very linear. Tends to follow pretty much exactly the storyline of the book, except for mentioning a few later events earlier on for the sake of setting things up.
The above poster did a great job of outlining this film. Young boy lives in shantytown. He is born in France to Algerian parents and seeks to improve his lot in life through school. His father constantly insists that "Il faut tout savoir 'a l'e'cole" (You must know everything for school.) Somewhat touching portrait of what is really a fairly sad life. The protagonist of course goes on to become "ministre délégué à la Promotion de l'égalité des chances." (Minister charged with the promotion of the equality of opportunity)
For a better film on people living in deplorable conditions in slums, check out "Rue Cases Negres"