Two young women find that their differences bring them closer during a difficult time in this drama from writer and director Karin Albou. Nour (Olympe Borval) and Myriam (Lizzie Brocheré) grew up in the same neighborhood in Tunis, and as they've grown into adulthood they've stayed close friends, even though Nour is a Muslim and Myriam is Jewish. It's 1942, and Tunis is under occupation by Axis forces, which has made life difficult for both women; the German authorities have prevented Khaled
(Najib Oudghiri), Nour's fiancé, from getting a job, forcing them to postpone their wedding, while Myriam's family must pay exorbitant fines for being Jewish, which may lead her into a marriage of convenience to a wealthy physician (Simon Abkarian) many years her senior. While Myriam sees no way out of her desperate situation, Nour finds that the Nazi propaganda circulated throughout the community is piquing her worst suspicions about Jewish stereotypes. But as Nour and Myriam sink deeper into their personal crises, they begin to understand how badly they need one another's support. Le Chant des Mariées (aka The Wedding Song) was an official selection at the 2008 Palm Springs International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
The movie's distinction .. lies in two lovely performances, and in the passion and pain of parallel lives -- both girls suffering at the hands of men, both struggling to understand the brutality of the world they must share.
With intimacy and sensuality, Albou explores what it means to be a woman and the bonds that women form with each other in an increasingly precarious situation.
Writer-director Karin Albou (who plays the mother of the Jewish bride) has a sensuous, intimate filmmaking style that overrides The Wedding Song's more precariously loaded plot parallels.
An intelligently written and directed story of two 16-year-old girls -- one Jewish and one Muslim -- and their friendship in Tunis during the Nazi occupation in the 1940s.
César nominee writer/director Karin Albou summons a genie with this pair of love stories, set in the worst of times, that challenge loyalties to the limit.
The bond between Brocheré and Borval is more physical than verbal; they often seem on the verge of a deep, soulful lip-lock, but since neither character is developed satisfactorily, it's hard to develop a rooting interest in...their friendship.
Many, many movies have been made about World War II; but Albou's film provides a fresh perspective. It also doesn't hurt that her two lead actresses are terrifically beautiful.
While a lesser filmmaker might be content to remain within the confines of corrosive zealotry, Albou proves her mettle by using religion as a conduit for exploring women's issues.
Somewhat inventive, graced by strong performances amid a background in Tunisia, 'The Wedding Song' could be called 'East Side Story' given its resemblance to the Broadway musical inspired by 'Romeo and Juliet.'
There's a lot going on in this film. Perhaps, too much in this story of the Nazi occupation of Tunis in 1942. The friendship of a Jewish and Muslim girl is tested against the actions of their parents and the occupiers. The preparation for marriage scene, Oriental style, is painful to watch and lasts too long. However,
this is a very fine film, and should be seen by all who have an interest in the terrible times of World War II.
The German occupation of Tunisia forms the backdrop for this gritty look at Arab-Jewish relations on a microscopic scale. Two families that live in the same compound try to deal with the harsh realities of war, testing friendships. Excellent, sensitive telling, terrific acting and unrelenting tension made this a most
interesting film. The collaboration between the Germans, the French, and the native Arabs, was an aspect of the war that this viewer had been unaware of. No longer.
No quotes approved yet for Le Chant des Mariées (The Wedding Song). Logged in users can submit quotes.
Submit a Quote from 'Le Chant des Mariées (The Wedding Song)'
A quote can be a single line from one character or a memorable dialog between several characters. Please make your quotes accurate. Quotes will be submitted for approval by the RT staff.
Example:
Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try. Yoda: No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
Top Critic
