Free Men

Directed by Ismaël Ferroukhi
Film Movement
2011
99 Minutes
France
French
Thriller, Jewish, Drama
Not Rated

In German-occupied Paris, a young unemployed Algerian named Younes (played by break-out star, Tahar Rahim) earns his living as a black marketeer. Arrested by the French police but given a chance to avoid jail, Younes agrees to spy on the Paris Mosque. The police suspect the Mosque authorities, including its rector Ben Ghabrit, of aiding Muslim Resistance agents and helping North African Jews by giving them false certificates. At the Mosque, Younes meets the Algerian singer Salim Halali, and is moved by Salim's beautiful voice and strong personality. When Younes discovers that Salim is Jewish, he stops collaborating with the police and gradually transforms from a politically ignorant immigrant into a fully-fledged freedom fighter.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Ismaël Ferroukhi
  • Starring: Tahar Rahim

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Both subtle and magnetic...Tahar Rahim [is] one of France's finest young actors...[FREE MEN] contributes a worthy and interesting chapter to the tradition of World War II dramas."
    A. O. Scott, The New York Times
  • "A testament to Rahim's screen presence...Free Men proves that the can't-take-your-eyes-off-him charisma the Franco-Algerian actor displayed in Jacques Audiard's A Prophet was no fluke."
    David Fear, Time Out New York
  • "[Tahar Rahim] has an undeniable screen presence that recalls a young Robert DeNiro [and] Lonsadale is, like always, a pleasure to watch."
    Jordan Mintzner, The Hollywood Reporter