Andalucia (2007) Online

I saw an advance screening of this film and I was literally bored to tears. I haven't seen Alain Gomis' previous works, but that one is a real mess.

This is the story of Yacine, a young social worker trying to leave his past, his low-life friends and his family behind him. He finds a job at a soup kitchen and soon the audience is drifting in his stream of consciousness from a one-night-stand to another, his obsession with a female model, his quest for his roots and odd encounters with homeless folks.

Except for the use of the music, a decent cinematography and a few refreshing funny parts, this film totally misses the mark by awkwardly blending *every single cliché* you could expect from a French independent movie (not only French, as the director quotes - or knocks off - Spike Lee's signature "floating shot"). Between "social realism" and fantasizing, professional actors and "real people" (the latter acting far better than the former - go figure) the movie reeks as much of amateurism and demagogy as it lacks authenticity and heart.

For instance: just as you were thinking the director spared us the sexual identity crisis (the most outrageously unoriginal and overblown cliché of the genre) the main character kisses a guy for no apparent reason. But that's after he tried to beat him up. And lectured him about his origins, his job, his looks...

Of course, the unsympathetic nature of about every character doesn't help. If handled correctly it could be a breeze of fresh air and a clever change from the always nice characters we're accustomed to. But in the end it's not the case. Speaking of which, the ending is so silly it makes Hollywood endings look bold in comparison.

You may give it a try, but at your own risks.

This movie made me feel incredibly well.

This is really refreshing to have a generous movie that lets the viewer think by himself about what he sees and feels. It is rare enough to notice.

This movie is about Yacine, a French guy in his thirties whose family comes from Maghrebian countries.

It tells about his way of living, trying to find himself through his encounters with others, and his roots.

Some really nice scenes, with nice photography. The main actor seems impressively human and his charism makes us go along with him through his path searching.

This movie has not a linear way of telling a story but is more a human experience shown to us without imposing us clichés. Never being political (as it could have been about immigration...), more humanist and poetic, sometimes funny, it is worth being watched, especially if you want to see something different from what is usually shown.

From my point of view, a little gem that was not enough advertised. A movie that took the risk not to be in the standards.

Have a refreshing try.