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Editorial Reviews
Review
[Tahar Rahim] has an undeniable screen presence that recalls a young Robert DeNiro [and] Lonsadale is, like always, a pleasure to watch. --Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter
An eye-opener! An absorbing drama… that engages both the heart and the mind. --Allan Hunter, Screen Daily
Official Selection --2011 CANNES Film Festival
An eye-opener! An absorbing drama… that engages both the heart and the mind. --Allan Hunter, Screen Daily
Official Selection --2011 CANNES Film Festival
Product Description
In German-occupied Paris, a young unemployed Algerian named Younes (played by break-out star, Tahar Rahim from A PROPHET) earns his living as a black marketeer. Arrested by the French police but given a chance to avoid jail, Younes agrees to spy on the Paris Mosque. The police suspect the Mosque authorities, including its rector Ben Ghabrit, of aiding Muslim Resistance agents and helping North African Jews by giving them false certificates. At the Mosque, Younes meets the Algerian singer Salim Halali, and is moved by Salim's beautiful voice and strong personality. When Younes discovers that Salim is Jewish, he stops collaborating with the police and gradually transforms from a politically ignorant immigrant into a fully-fledged freedom fighter.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Ismaël Ferroukhi both wrote (with Alain-Michel Blanc) and directed this emotionally charged story based on fact and peppered with real and fictitious characters to drive home the point of the film - that differences among peoples become erased in response to a common enemy. This is a powerful little film made more radiant because of the brilliant cast.
In German occupied Paris in WW II there is a segment of Algerian and Moroccan immigrants who survive on the fringes largely due to people like the unemployed Younes (the handsome and gifted French actor of Algerian origin Tahir Rahim) who runs a black market selling cigarettes, tea, coffee and food to his fellow Algerians - until he is caught by the police. Instead to going to prison he is set up to spy on the Paris Mosque, thought by the police to be center for the Mosque authorities, including its rector Ben Ghabrit (Michael Lonsdale) of aiding Muslim Resistance agents and helping North African Jews by giving them false certificates. At the Mosque, Younes meets the Algerian singer Salim Halali (Mahmud Shalaby), and is moved by Salim's beautiful voice and strong personality. When Younes discovers that Salim is Jewish, he stops collaborating with the police and gradually transforms from a politically ignorant immigrant black marketeer into a fully-fledged freedom fighter. It is this friendship between Younes and Salim that shapes the changes in Younes character, allowing him to move form a non-political opportunist to a committed freedom fighter.
There are many side stories that occur - the influence of the Gestapo, the presence of the mysterious Leila (the profoundly gifted and beautiful Lubna Azabal), Vichy collaborators, Muslims, Jews, Christians, resistance fighters, communists, spies, snitches, fugitives, traitors, criminals, children and innocents - with the theme of discovered camaraderie emerging slowly but surely. This is an inspired film that opens windows to parts of WW II history little known to the general public, and at films end the history of the post war activities of those character who are real is revealed, with `Younes' being described as the general representative of all the Algerian and Jewish immigrants. The score is filled with the singing of Salim/Mahmud Shalaby that adds a definite feeling of authenticity to the film. In French and Arabic with English subtitles. Grady Harp, October 12
In German occupied Paris in WW II there is a segment of Algerian and Moroccan immigrants who survive on the fringes largely due to people like the unemployed Younes (the handsome and gifted French actor of Algerian origin Tahir Rahim) who runs a black market selling cigarettes, tea, coffee and food to his fellow Algerians - until he is caught by the police. Instead to going to prison he is set up to spy on the Paris Mosque, thought by the police to be center for the Mosque authorities, including its rector Ben Ghabrit (Michael Lonsdale) of aiding Muslim Resistance agents and helping North African Jews by giving them false certificates. At the Mosque, Younes meets the Algerian singer Salim Halali (Mahmud Shalaby), and is moved by Salim's beautiful voice and strong personality. When Younes discovers that Salim is Jewish, he stops collaborating with the police and gradually transforms from a politically ignorant immigrant black marketeer into a fully-fledged freedom fighter. It is this friendship between Younes and Salim that shapes the changes in Younes character, allowing him to move form a non-political opportunist to a committed freedom fighter.
There are many side stories that occur - the influence of the Gestapo, the presence of the mysterious Leila (the profoundly gifted and beautiful Lubna Azabal), Vichy collaborators, Muslims, Jews, Christians, resistance fighters, communists, spies, snitches, fugitives, traitors, criminals, children and innocents - with the theme of discovered camaraderie emerging slowly but surely. This is an inspired film that opens windows to parts of WW II history little known to the general public, and at films end the history of the post war activities of those character who are real is revealed, with `Younes' being described as the general representative of all the Algerian and Jewish immigrants. The score is filled with the singing of Salim/Mahmud Shalaby that adds a definite feeling of authenticity to the film. In French and Arabic with English subtitles. Grady Harp, October 12
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new reading of the 2nd world war with a solid performance of Tahar Rahim
June 6, 2012
By quentin
Format:DVD
Amazing! I was deeply moved by this film that I found very humane and brave.
Free Men observes the 2nd World War through a unique but optimistic lens, highlighting the solidarity between Arabs and Jews. The acting is great, especially with Tahar Rahim's stunning performance, and the music adds to the intelligence and sensibility of the film. I highly recommend Free Men to viewers who enjoy great acting and an unconventional story.
Free Men observes the 2nd World War through a unique but optimistic lens, highlighting the solidarity between Arabs and Jews. The acting is great, especially with Tahar Rahim's stunning performance, and the music adds to the intelligence and sensibility of the film. I highly recommend Free Men to viewers who enjoy great acting and an unconventional story.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Harrowing, If Somewhat Aloof, Character Study Of A Reluctant World War II Hero
September 29, 2012
Format:DVD
There's a terrific and powerful story at the heart of Ismael Ferroukhi's "Free Men," one that should have had the ability to really connect at an emotional and visceral level. Set in German-occupied Paris during World War II, the screenplay tells the classic tale of a reluctant hero. In this case, though, that hero is an opportunistic Algerian immigrant making whatever compromises he needs to in order to survive. It's an interesting perspective to see the ever-increasing horrors from a Muslim vantage point. A Paris Mosque is one of the bases for the resistance, but our protagonist has very little connection to any side but himself. When ensnared by the police, he agrees to turn informant. But as he gets closer to the situation and to those that trust him, he becomes more invested in a bigger picture of justice. This is a personal story that could be played on an epic scale, but Ferroukhi keeps things more contained and restrained throughout. I liked this dignified approach, but it also made the central character strangely aloof. That, in the end, keeps "Free Men" from being the great film it had the potential to be.
Tahar Rahim (so good in "A Prophet") plays the central character. Beginning as an exploitative black market vendor, his character arc is truly remarkable as he morphs into a full fledged freedom fighter. It's in some of the details that things get a bit murky. He befriends a popular Jewish singer and this is one of the initializing steps to his amazing (but refreshingly subtle) transformation. He seems, at times, to idol worship the cavalier style and free spirit of his new friend. But aside from partying a bit, the two have little to share with one another. It's a tenuous connection at best, but I guess it's enough to make Rahim realize that his actions have repercussions. The two actors play off one another very well. They make for an intriguing pair although this "friendship" remains somewhat enigmatic. More successful, for me, was Rahim's burgeoning relationship with the Mosque's rector. As he grapples with weighty moral decisions, the rector seems to be the only one to really connect with the young man. There is also a small romantic side plot, but it only exists to service the narrative (it is underexplored and introduced only so that her fate will add even more drama) as opposed to feeling like an organic part of Rahim's journey.
In the end, "Free Men" is a movie that spoke more to my head than to my heart. It's screenplay kept me at a distance throughout. I didn't want to stay on the sidelines, though, I wanted to experience the harrowing subject matter in my gut. Rahim, however, is fascinating to watch throughout. Talking about an emotional punch, the Bonus Short Film on the DVD is "Lustig." This 17 minute feature by John Frances Black II deals with survivor's guilt in the aftermath of the war. As a concentration camp victim sojourns to the families of those that didn't escape the war alive, he has quite a tale to tell. Simple, not wholly unexpected, but incredibly resonant, this brief experience is surprisingly moving and effective. KGHarris, 9/12.
Tahar Rahim (so good in "A Prophet") plays the central character. Beginning as an exploitative black market vendor, his character arc is truly remarkable as he morphs into a full fledged freedom fighter. It's in some of the details that things get a bit murky. He befriends a popular Jewish singer and this is one of the initializing steps to his amazing (but refreshingly subtle) transformation. He seems, at times, to idol worship the cavalier style and free spirit of his new friend. But aside from partying a bit, the two have little to share with one another. It's a tenuous connection at best, but I guess it's enough to make Rahim realize that his actions have repercussions. The two actors play off one another very well. They make for an intriguing pair although this "friendship" remains somewhat enigmatic. More successful, for me, was Rahim's burgeoning relationship with the Mosque's rector. As he grapples with weighty moral decisions, the rector seems to be the only one to really connect with the young man. There is also a small romantic side plot, but it only exists to service the narrative (it is underexplored and introduced only so that her fate will add even more drama) as opposed to feeling like an organic part of Rahim's journey.
In the end, "Free Men" is a movie that spoke more to my head than to my heart. It's screenplay kept me at a distance throughout. I didn't want to stay on the sidelines, though, I wanted to experience the harrowing subject matter in my gut. Rahim, however, is fascinating to watch throughout. Talking about an emotional punch, the Bonus Short Film on the DVD is "Lustig." This 17 minute feature by John Frances Black II deals with survivor's guilt in the aftermath of the war. As a concentration camp victim sojourns to the families of those that didn't escape the war alive, he has quite a tale to tell. Simple, not wholly unexpected, but incredibly resonant, this brief experience is surprisingly moving and effective. KGHarris, 9/12.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely amazing movie
I first saw this movie at a film festival last year and just knew I had to get it. The plot is engaging and fantastic, the characters are all well-developed, and all of the actors... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jeremiah Mottram
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and beautiful tale of Arabs in France during WWII
I knew nothing of the activities of this group of people in France during WWII so this was revelatory to me. Read more
Published 4 months ago by R. Swanson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!
I really like this actor and the story is a new one for me. I never thought of the Muslims in France as being present during this war. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Virginia L Thompson
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not much good except for Michael Lonsdale
Tahar Rahim plays Younes, a young Algerian in Paris during the Nazi occupation, planning to return to Algeria after he gets rich on the black market. Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Martin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Muslims save Jews in this French War time Drama
This is the story of Younes (Tahir Rahim -`A Prophet') he plays a small time Algerian, black marketer in German occupied Paris circa 1942. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Tommy D
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wartime Paris, and unlikely friendships form
This wartime French-language drama freely mixes actual people and events with a fictional narrative, about Younes, a young Algerian man scratching a living in Nazi-occupied Paris. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Rowena Hoseason
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonder to Watch
We've all seen World War II films, heard about the war and the Holocaust, read the history books, but what Free Men is, is unique. Read more
Published 13 months ago by JMG444
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting history, lackluster film
Certainly interesting, but rarely involving. A story of Muslims in Paris during the German occupation; some of whom are collaborators, some of whom are part of the Resistance, most... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Michael Harbour
