Bab El Web (2005)
Kamel and his brother Bouzid live in Bab el Oued, a working-class neighborhood in Algiers. Kamel is a loner, disillusioned and taciturn. Bouzid, more jovial, is an Internet enthusiast. He spends his time in a cybercafé chatting with girls from all over the world. Without really believing it, he invites them to Algiers. But one day, Laurence, one of his French correspondents, tells him that she accepts his invitation.
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Too much of everything
I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
The thing that I liked the most about this film is where the action takes place. We get to see Algiers, the capital of Algeria. I, for one, was fascinated by the scenery and the people. The movie in itself is not bad. It's not that good either. There's a few good laughs, some kind of commentary on immigration and emigration. The acting is solid. Samy Naceri and Faudel are both doing a good job. Beautiful Julie Gayet is credible.Seen in Toronto, at the Royal Cinema, during Cinéfranco, on April 8th, 2006.75/100 (**½)
I enjoyed this film for a number of reasons. First of all it presented an interesting view of Algiers the capital of Algeria. It addressed the feelings around repatriation in a light that was neither entirely critical or overly positive. It also brings to light one view o what it is like to be young in Algeria right now. I especially liked seeing Faudel act as I have only enjoyed his music previously. He doesn't spend the entire movie singing and only really has one singing moment which is quite touching and highlights the themes the movie is addressing. Sami Naceri plays the older brother really well and you can understand his perspecitive, although i do think his role is very similar to one he played in a movie called Rai set in the Parisian suburbs, also a good picture.