
Lila Says
2004, Drama, 1h 30m
40 Reviews 2,500+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Lila Says is a vibrantly told coming-of-age story, helped by the sultry charisma of Giocante. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Lila Says Photos
Movie Info
Chimo (Mohammed Khouas), age 19, lives with his mother. Rather than taking advantage of a Paris writing school scholarship, the unemployed aspiring writer kills time with his friend Mouloud (Karim Ben Haddou) on the streets of Marseilles. Chimo develops a crush on Lila (Vahina Giocante), a sexually experienced 16-year-old who moves into the neighborhood. They begin spending time together, alarming both Lila's possessive aunt (Edmonde Franchi) and Mouloud, who's jealous of his friend.
Cast & Crew
Vahina Giocante
Lila
Lila
Mohammed Khouas
Chimo
Chimo
Karim Ben Haddou
Mouloud
Mouloud
Lotfi Chakri
Bakary
Bakary
Hamid Dkhissi
Grand Jo
Grand Jo
Edmonde Franchi
La tante
La tante
Critic Reviews for Lila Says
Audience Reviews for Lila Says
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Jun 01, 2009Lila is a very sexually charged girl who talks about her sexuality with a certain amount of confidence that is almost disconcerting. Chimo, is an arab who gets attracted to her. Enticing tale about interracial love.Ameeta . Super Reviewer
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Nov 11, 2008For the most part a fantastic tale of interracial romance during a time of suspicion and conflict. The Arabs are seen as terrorists or luxurious accessories for French women. Lila (obvious similarity to Lolita) is a sexually awakened girl. She talks confidently and with pride about her sexual encounters and fantasies. This doesn't sit easy with the young man who has fallen for her. Chimo must constantly deal with his arrogant and testosterone fueled friends. The final scenes are heartbreaking if slightly obvious and the character of Mouloud is really a device as opposed to a person. Though he is obviously offended by the way his people are treated he seems to go too far without explanation. Whether it's his lust for Lila or his jealousy of Chimo that spurns him on is left blank and us unfulfilled. The setting in a poor area of Marseilles is bitter sweet in its beauty of narrow streets and tall buildings. Excellent performances from Giocante and Khouas create a well built chemistry that plays out believably until the end credits.Luke B Super Reviewer
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Jun 01, 2008An interesting movie! A story of coming of age and discovering love for the first time. Chimo is young and indecisive about choices in life, but everything changes when he meets Lila. He begins to see things differently, and starts to act and not just dream. Great! Intriguing story plot. Great music! Nitin Sawhney does not disappoint. A must-see!Leo L Super Reviewer
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May 18, 2007Very provocative, semi-erotic autobiographical film that is also an interesting cultural and character study. Vahina Giocante, the girl who plays Lila, will make you fall in love with her.Pedro P Super Reviewer
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