Chimo develops a crush on the pretty, blond Lila, a girl who recently moved into his Arab ghetto with her aunt. When the leader of a rival gang also falls for Lila, the ensuing love triangle initiates a journey of sexual discovery -- and sets off a chain of devastating events.
Acting
Vahina Giocante's Lila — pure chaotic feminine weaponry.
Cinematography
Grimy Parisian streets shot like they're burning with lust.
Direction
Doueiri walks the razor's edge between exploitation and empathy.
Director
Ziad Doueiri
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on a controversial French novel; Doueiri cast Vahina Giocante after spotting her on the street — she'd never acted before.
The film sparked debates about the 'male gaze' in 2000s French cinema, with critics split on whether it critiques or indulges in objectifying its young heroine.
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