100% Arabica (1997)
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64% of users liked it
(244 ratings)
Set in a rent-controlled Paris suburb populated entirely by North Africans, this comedy of music and cross-culturalism centers on a battle waged between the neighborhood youth, who are seeking a way in which to integrate their native cultures with French ways, and the fundamentalist Muslim faction… More Set in a rent-controlled Paris suburb populated entirely by North Africans, this comedy of music and cross-culturalism centers on a battle waged between the neighborhood youth, who are seeking a way in which to integrate their native cultures with French ways, and the fundamentalist Muslim faction who insist that separatism and staunch adherence to their faith is the only way to live. Rachid and Krimo (played by popular Algerian Rai singers Khaled and Cheb Mami) are the leaders of Rap Oriental, a pop band that combines Rai music with rap/hip-hop. Their radical music gets the two in trouble with the local leader Slimane, a hypocritical bigot who makes money by strong-arming area merchants. Slimane proclaims that Islam, not music, is what modern youth need to stay out of trouble. The mayor supports him and this has a divisive effect on the band. A comedy with a satirical edge that takes many swipes at religious fundamentalism, the film has earned director Mahmoud Zemmouri, who has lived in Paris for 15 years, death threats from Islamic extremists. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Mahmoud Zemmouri
- Genres
- Drama, Art House & International, Comedy, Special Interest
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jun 23, 2000 Wide
- Studio
- ArtMattan Productions
Critic Reviews
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Maria Garcia, Film Journal International
In the end, the treatment of women and the actions of the fundamentalist gangsters give the film an oppressive air, so much so that even the music is no longer transcendent.
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Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
abruptly ends 82 minutes after beginning, leaving you thoroughly confused.
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Cast
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Cheb Khaled
as Rachid
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Cheb Mami
as Krimo
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Mouss
as Slimane
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Najim Laouariga
as Madjid
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Fatid Fedier
as Kamh
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Youssef Diawara
as Syha
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Patrice Thibaud
as Bernard
- Farid Fedjer
- Mohamed Khelifati
- Najim Laouriga
