Exils (2004) Reviews

Member Rating:

French-Algerian filmmaker Tony Gatlif wrote and directed this tale of a voyage of unexpected discoveries. Zano (Romain Duris) and Naima (Lubna Azabal) are a pair of footloose bohemian lovers living in Paris who decide to pull up roots and travel to Algeria, even though they don't know the language and are unfamiliar with the cultural traditions. Zano and Naima take the scenic route, traveling from town to town along the way by train, by bus or by foot, depending on their mood and financial circumstances, and en route they encounter Leila (Leila Makhlouf) and Habib (Habib Cheik), an Algerian couple traveling to France. While amused by Zano and Naima's naiveté, Leila gives them a letter of introduction to her family, and after a long journey they eventually arrive in Algeria and are befriended by Leila's brother Said (Zouhir Gacem). With Said in tow, Zano and Naima explore the city and at once discover a land that fascinates them even as they realize just how far away from its culture they truly are. Exils was screened in competition at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Starring:: Romain Duris, Lubna Azabal, (more)

Director(s):: Tony Gatlif

Format(s):: DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy

Average Ratings

(2 member reviews)

Member Reviews

	James V.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

EXILES is a Tony Gatlif fantasy, complete with music & dance, of what it might be like for a young French couple of Algerian roots to hitch their way from France back to Algeria (for most these days it's the other way 'round). The two seem not to have money and so occasionally work their way (with a rather laissez-faire attitude, I must say), screw (not always with each other), and have beaucoup psychological problems. For a couple who carries no baggage, there is way too much emotional baggage here. That's usually the mark of a young filmmaker but as Mr. Gatlif is nearing 60, I guess we'll have to chalk it up to something else. His characters sneak aboard a ship without knowing where it's going, have no idea that certain of Algeria's borders are closed and--worse--have no clue that women in Arab countries are expected to cover themselves (the year here is 2004, well post-9/11/01). On the plus side we have lots of color, music & dance, nice cinematography & the gorgeous Romain Duris.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

	William T.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

This is one of those flicks where you can keep the remote handy and your finger near the FF button. There are large parts of the film where there is very repetitive music or long dialog free scenes. Use the FF button, you won't miss anything other than an attempt at artistic color. I'm a Romain Duris fan but this is probably my least favorite of his films that I have seen.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No