Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Stylish but barely mediocre overall

Just perfect...

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Not sure is it because of the black and white display, but everything feels stronger thanks to the lack of colors with this film. Although I found a lot of similarities with the french picture "The Prophet" (young emigrant trouble maker with origins from one of the North African countries, climbing his way through the hardships of the criminal world to the top) , the dutch production successfully held my attention long time afterwards. The main character Majid, whose problems arise from all sides, isn't doing well. He recently got out of jail, his brother is dying of cancer, his father disowns him, his girlfriend has stains on her fidelity record, and as the cherry on the top, the Turkish mafia reaches out to him. But his biggest problem, is himself. He has a temper, as well as a talent for fighting. But two scenes cross my mind when I think it - the one when his girlfriend asks him "How does it feel to be that violent?" and when he crosses paths with the wolf in the forest, and chooses not to shoot it. It is very curious that such violent person will let the wild animal live. I like to think that the movie ending depicts the forest event. This lonesome creature, who depends on entirely on instinct and didn't have anyone guarding his back, through sheer power of will, has kept his own.

Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover.The Director of this film is also the screenwriter, (please keep this in mind) which makes one wonder if there's any latent quasi-envy issues in his social-political p.o.v. towards black men. Read on, then watch the film.The progression of the story and the plight of the main character Maj-id (Moroccan descent) seems woefully preoccupied with race and acceptance. This meme is repeated over and over to a point of .. (see last sentence of this review) Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, street thief, thug, henchman and lover. He even hits his girlfriend. She befriends a black man(and Maj-id loses it. The girlfriend is sexually turned on and wants to know what its like to beat a man to a pulp. Black people in the film are referred to as a monkeys or jungle commandos. Maj-id .. remember .. is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover. Even with full swing baton hits to the stomach and to a seemingly broken hand. You must understand that Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, street thief, thug, henchman and lover. I know, it gets old.Stereotypical high school fantasy writing. You see, the film's setting is in the Netherlands, though there's hardly any Dutch people in the film. The writer/director solely uses black people in this story to juxtapose Maj-id's thuggish activities, or beats them to a pulp to prove his skills as a boxer. Realistically if Maj-id's world of organized crime involved dealing with Dutch people, .. well, then Maj-id and his gang would be likely referred to as monkeys. Hence the writing and casting decisions.This portrait of Maj-id suggests he's not black, he's Moroccan ... and he's just filled with rage. Why? In this film, you'll never find out. It's not important. What seems important to the writer/director is to have Maj-id head butt his 70 year old father (yes, the same father who has 12 year old son) .. in the hospital after his brother dies. This same portrait of Maj-id displays him with an enormous gold tooth and matching gold chain. Cue rap music. Yes, there's scenes in which he robs and vandalizes while rap music is blaring. But, he's not black, he's Moroccan. Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover. He hits women, head butts his 70 year old father and can beat a world champion boxer .. even if his ribs are busted and his hand is broken.What was the director thinking? Watch the film.

Like many saying this must be the best ever Dutch movie. At least from the list I have seen so far. The movie surprised me from the every corner with the great cast and powerful performances. Made me to think like I am on a right movie at a right time. Yeah, the subject was quite a strong as the title indicates, though it was not that brutal yet enjoyable.A movie that depicts the social lives of the different ethical groups who endeavor power to rule and to lead sustainable lives. It was a crime-cum-sport-drama, but took all the time to build a better platform for the last quarter of the movie. In the initial hour the story was well developed with fine characters and leaves nothing behind you to carry a bag of doubts. The boxing concept would have not been a necessary, though politely blended into the mainstream story just like the Korean movie 'Punch'.The main character Majid was good. This is the character that encounters everything in the story like emotions and conflicts in his unpleasant life. When his family and romantic life was not arranged properly, he got a slot to rewrite his social life and he has to act tough regarding the approach he chose. The tale of his gang was quite predictable, especially the twist that coming from that way was as expected. Then what makes this movie so special? Well, all together like a multi-face of a character that reshapes according to the situation was displayed precisely. Not only the actors, but praisable job was done by the writer and the director. This underworld and multi-cultural story is definitely not for everyone for many reasons. This could be a perfect entertainer if you take lightly everything you going to see. Overall one of a better movie of the year from this geographical region.

Unfortunately I missed this movie in the cinema, but just bought the DVD and I am glad I did. I loved Rabat and was curious to find out if this movie was as good. It was, even better in my eyes. Very raw and rough storyline and still you are drawn into the story. Mostly thanks to Marwan Kenzari who plays his character with an intensity in both violent scenes as in the more moving scenes. Violence in this movie is just getting worse and worse....and you can see it happen and still you are shocked when it escalates. Beautifully shot in black and white. Fantastic crew of actors. Very credible in dialogs. Great art direction, simple and very convincing. Loved it, highly recommended. I can not wait for this team's new production.