Raja
by Jacques Doillon
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Hassan Khissal, Ilham Abdelwahed, Najat Benssallem, Oum El Aid Ait Youss, Pascal GreggoryDirector: Jacques Doillon
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: French (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Arabic (Original Language); French (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 112 minutes
Published: 2004
DVD Release Date: 2005-01-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Film Movement
Movie Reviews of Raja
Movie Review: Bridging Gaps
Summary: 5 Stars
Differences in culture, language, socio-economic class, race--all are obstacles that can be overcome in relationships, but not without difficulty. This challenging film, set in Marrakech, Morocco, addresses these in a story of a wealthy (relatively speaking), expatriate Frenchman seeking an affair (sex and companionship, without commitment) and a young, poor Moroccan woman who seeks to escape prostituting herself for money by finding true love and financial security in this foreigner who pursues her. This is a complex story about conflicting wants and needs, told with a realism that is both disturbing and compelling. Aspects of colonialism are clearly evident in this film, especially reminding the viewer that "you don't bite the hand that feeds you"--a bittersweet, but real dynamic of class division, colonization and conquests around the world.
Regarding cinematography, audiences seeking exotic, panoramic views of this North African country will be disappointed. This movie is a close-up on relationships.
The acting was very convincing. The story describes relationships in many former colonies around the world (i.e., this could be adapted to many different cultural settings).
I strongly recommend this film, but for mature audiences only.
Summary of Raja
Venice Film Festival winner RAJA is the March selection in The Film Movement Series. Raja is a nineteen year old orphan literally and figuratively scarred by life. Fred is an emotionally bankrupt westernet living amid his plush gardens and palm trees. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Marrakech, RAJA is a cross-cultural drama about a wealthy middle-aged Frenchman's complex relationship with a local youth. Fred's attempt at seduction, and their mutual attempt at manipulation, are fractured by their gross disparity of income and cultural sophistication. The New York Times wrote "What distinguishes Raja from every other movie to contemplate the treacherous intersection of passion, avarice and power is its unsettling emotional honesty. The two central performances (especially Ms. Benssallem's Raja, who has the intensity of a cornered wild animal) are so spontaneous and mercurial that the reckless flirtation seems to be unfolding before your eyes." Each month subscribers to Film Movement receive an award-winning film such as RAJA to own on DVD each month.Art House & International DVD Video
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