Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Simply A Masterpiece

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The thing that I liked the most about this film is where the action takes place. We get to see Algiers, the capital of Algeria. I, for one, was fascinated by the scenery and the people. The movie in itself is not bad. It's not that good either. There's a few good laughs, some kind of commentary on immigration and emigration. The acting is solid. Samy Naceri and Faudel are both doing a good job. Beautiful Julie Gayet is credible.Seen in Toronto, at the Royal Cinema, during Cinéfranco, on April 8th, 2006.75/100 (**½)

I enjoyed this film for a number of reasons. First of all it presented an interesting view of Algiers the capital of Algeria. It addressed the feelings around repatriation in a light that was neither entirely critical or overly positive. It also brings to light one view o what it is like to be young in Algeria right now. I especially liked seeing Faudel act as I have only enjoyed his music previously. He doesn't spend the entire movie singing and only really has one singing moment which is quite touching and highlights the themes the movie is addressing. Sami Naceri plays the older brother really well and you can understand his perspecitive, although i do think his role is very similar to one he played in a movie called Rai set in the Parisian suburbs, also a good picture.