Critic Reviews

Beautifully played by Valette and Zylberstein, and directed with amazing grace by Albou, this touching film offers a respectful, fascinating look at a community that's ignored as often as it's misunderstood.

The sensuality is never salacious, merely curious, and the message is empowering ... at least within the confines of the insular community.

Philosophy and religion become entangled with love and sex in Karin Albou's intelligent, sensual drama.

Albou's chosen a touchy subject, which she treats sensitively. Her mature script is complemented by heartfelt turns by Fanny Valette as Laura and Elsa Zylberstein as Mathilde.

The film, both light-hearted and serious, suggests that freedom comes more easily within restrictions--and that's true of Albou's approach as well.

Absorbing tale of coming of age in a multi-ethnic Paris suburb.

In what is arguably her best performance since "Van Gogh," Zylberstein brings Mathilde to life with grace and fervor.

For the first full hour, as we're guided inside privacies of culture and consciousness, Ms. Albou sustains her rich and gently intoxicating mode of storytelling, a feat all the more admirable in light of the overly schematic script.

Stylish and well-observed while ultimately not adding up to very much.

The film strains under the influence of too many philosophy texts.