Algeria, the 1930s. Younes is nine years old when he is put in his uncle's care in Oran. Rebaptized Jonas, he grows up among the Rio Salado youths, with whom he becomes friends. Emilie is one of the gang; everyone is in love with her. A great love story develops between Jonas and Emilie, which is soon unsettled by the conflicts troubling the country.
Cinematography
Oran glows like a fever dream. Every frame wants to be touched.
Acting
Aït Aattou's transformation from wide-eyed boy to hollowed man is devastating.
Score
Gabriel Yared weaves Arab-Andalusian strings into pure longing.
Director
Alexandre Arcady
Nora Arnezeder
Émilie
Fu'ad Aït Aattou
Younès / Jonas
Anne Parillaud
Madame Cazenave
Vincent Perez
Juan Rucillio
Anne Consigny
Madeleine
Mohamed Fellag
Mohamed
Nicolas Giraud
Fabrice
Olivier Barthélémy
Jean-Cristophe
Marine Vacth
Isabelle
Matthias Van Khache
Simon/Michel adulte
Tayeb Belmihoub
Issa
Salim Kéchiouche
Djelloul
Moussa Maaskri
Krimo
Abbes Zahmani
Bliss
Jean-Claude de Goros
Le maire de Rio Salado
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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