100% Arabica

Is it possible to fight religious zealotry without displaying the usual show of its depressing consequences ? The answer is yes : Algerian-born Mohammed Zemmouri exemplifies it with this good-natured, fast-paced,catchy comedy. And although we leave the theater with a light heart our brain has been given food for thought : what is better for a society, attracting young immigrants to the mosque and turn them into religious fanatics or let them express their joy of living through cheerful singing and dancing ? Answering this question would be stating the obvious unless you are a fundamentalist yourself. There is a lot of fine music in the film. Khaled may not be a candidate for acting awards but his nice personality pervades the story and his singing is up to. There are a few funny gags and some interesting allusions to the dangerous liaisons between certain opportunist politicians - including French ones - with religious fundamentalism. And let Muslims be reassured : this film is against zealotry not the faith of Islam.
(First published on IMDb. com)