Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mr grits (A) on January 07, 2006 at 08:51:52

This is touted as an updated Romeo and Juliet but, actually, there is more to it. It shows the meaningless existence of Arab youths living in Marseilles' principle Muslim ghetto. Chimo and his friends have nothing to do mixed with no expectations for the future. They bum around their neighborhood aimlessly and spend what little they have at a small local cafe. Lila, a Polish girl, appears in the ghetto and catches the eye of Chimo whom she ensnares with her powerful flirtations and endless sexuals tales of her conquests. Her teasing of Chimo is noticed by his group's "leader" who becomes determined to pursue and conqueor her. Naturally, the results become ugly.

This film was in the can before the great car burnings but gives a glimpse of what young Muslims experience in their daily lives. In fact, the movie was more meaninful in that way than in its intended purpose of showing the problems of a cross-cultural romance.

In a memorable moment they witnessed cops shaking down an Arab youth which appeared without cause. One group member blurted out: "Ever since those assholes blew up New York they see us all as targets."

I found the soundtrack enjoyable and Lila (Vahina Giacante) is a raw, natural hotty that will tempt the eye.

Fuhgedaboutit!