Film Reviews by None

This is such a good film. It hooks you right from the start, lures you into a false sense of security and interest, and then turns it all upside down. A great story - when Ralia sets off on her quest, catching one of the many Algerian buses which criss cross the movie, you soon realise this isn't going to be your typcial road movie. Lost origins, disorientation, alienation, motherhood - all set against the stunning and troubled background of a still closed and troubled Algerian landscape.

What makes the film, tho', is the fantastic acting and characterisation. A cast of fabulously intriguing and rich characters - so well acted. This deserves a really wide audience.

I've always enjoyed Breillat's work. But this didn't really impress me in any way.

The plot is based on a Barbey d'Aurevilly short story, and there is very little to it - an inescapable past/passion. It comes across as a period drama, with very little to say about anything above and beyond that. It's a little like watching 'Dangerous Liaisons' without the plot/intrigue.

There is one reason to watch this - the actor Fu'ad Ait Aattuu....the camera absolutely loves him, and he has a mesmerizing beauty. He's also a fine actor with no doubt a bright future....