Ziad Doueiri's adaptation of the international bestselling autobiographical novel Lila Says by the pseudonymous Chimo is a Romeo & Juliet-like tale, but one with the same kind of urgency that the Bard's story of star-crossed lovers must have had for 16th-century audiences. Set in Marseilles, France, this teenage romance revolves around Chimo (Mohammed Khouas), a poor Muslim lad, and Lila (Vahina Giocante), a blonde, teasing goddess, a pair whose relationship comes alive with raw, unabashed lust that transforms both of them in ways neither expects. Given the horrendous racially-tinged rioting that spread through France in the fall of 2005, there's a surprising added soupcon of poignancy here that makes the film feel as if it depicts a modern world that the real one hasn't caught up to yet. But the beautiful performances by its young stars—which sing with aching pain and desire—also remind us that this story is both universal and timeless. Recommended. (M. Johanson)
Lila Says
Sony, 87 min., in French w/English subtitles, R, DVD: $29.99, Nov. 29 Volume 21, Issue 1
Lila Says
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