kingslandbungalow
So I saw the trailer on Netflix and thought "This looks interesting." but unfortunately the whole story can be summed up by the trailer. The story is set in gay Paris - and told through the eyes of Dounia, a young girl struggling to find her way (cliche number one). She wants easy money and street cred, but struggles with...well, she struggles with something or other all the time. First, she tries to get credibility with the dealer she idolizes, then she struggles with her family situation and mother, then she struggles with her emerging feeling of horniness towards a male dancer, then she struggles to get away from the dealer she previously idolized, etc.The character is unpredictable, doing things that later come back to get her and not learning the error of her ways at all. I get the feeling that at the end of the story the character hasn't matured at all - in fact her spazzy unpredictability results in the death of a friend. I get the feeling that she wouldn't feel responsible though...Anyhow, the story is well shot but needs some serious editing. It's a good 30-40 minutes too long. And the message is so mixed that there's no feeling of learning or growth in the movie - is it about the hard circumstances of migrants in France?Soundtrack is weird too, a few scenes completely spoiled by music that does NOT work for that particular act.I'd give it a miss - much better fare on Netflix these days such as John Wick, The Last King, etc.
Msdsmith00
I never write reviews so take this one as a reason to must see this.This would have been an incredible book to read. I recently visited Paris and this movie really shed light on the crime rate that I hear so much about in the states. As a tourist, you don't experience that side of things. From the story line, to the actors, to the scenery, to the video quality this movie should easily rise to the top of the charts. My first language is English and I was skeptical at first with watching the entire movie reading the subtitles but surprisingly, I didn't even realize I had read the entire movie until the last minute. This film hooks you in with it's incredible versatility of both of the main actress in the film (Kudos to them). I would love to see more pieces by the writer.Incredible.
ReganRebecca
Houda Benyamina's stunning debut Divines immediately reminded me of Céline Sciamma's Girlhood. The two films follow similar protagonists, both 16 year old girls growing up in the rough banlieu of Paris. But while Girlhood was the story of a girl growing up in the ghetto told by someone who wasn't from that area, Benyamina is someone who came from those places and understands it intimately and as a result her film feels more vibrant and multi- dimensional. Divines is focused on Dounia (Oulaya Amamra, phenomenal), a plucky young teen who lives in makeshift tent camp with her mother who drinks too much and sleeps around. As a result Dounia had to grow up fast. Like a teenage Robin Hood she shoplifts from grocery stores bringing basic necessities to her neighbours and friends. While at school she is treated with condescension by a teacher, trying to inform her how to behave in order to get the low wage entry level positions she'll probably be doomed to occupying her whole life and decides that that isn't for her. Instead, thinking only of money, she hustles her way into getting a job with Rebecca, the neighbourhood drug dealer. Now in another movie (like Girlhood) this would be represented in a very moralistic fashion but Benyamina shows how for someone like Dounia, working her way up to drug dealer is probably the quickest, most interesting way for her to achieve her goals. And while Dounia does some morally dubious things the movie understands why and never judges her. Benyamina also has some fun playing with her characters and her style and there are some dance and fantasy sequences that make this play like a ghetto fairy tale. But she never forgets her serious side either. Divines is ultimately a film about forgotten people trying to make it anyway they can and Benyamina makes sure that you remember them.
Amari-Sali
If there is one reason to love Netflix it is because it gives you access to films like these in the comfort of your own home. No need to venture to your closest city and pay $13+. You can cry, laugh, yell at the screen, and not worry about someone else's watching experience while doing so. With all that said, let's talk about Divines.Characters & StoryDounia (Oulaya Amamra)When you grow up in a Roma camp with a mom who is not only embarrassing but seems to lack maturity, it makes your desire for a better life skyrocket. Something past being a simple receptionist, but making big money, millions even. That is Dounia's dream and she plans on bringing best friend Maimouna (Déborah Lukumuena) right with her. Though, to get to those heights, they need to work with Rebecca (Jisca Kalvanda) who is a local hoodlum who seemingly runs a big part of their estate's dope dealings.But, along the way to rising up through the ranks, so comes Djigui (Kevin Mischel). A dancer who originally is just someone Dounia, with Maimouna, watch from the rafters. However, after a spitting contest, and him chasing Dounia, so begins something more than either expected.However, with a life of crime and this young man going places, which life will Dounia choose? Which life will be available to her and ultimately, can her dreams come true despite all that she has done?HighlightsExperience FriendshipIt isn't clear when Dounia and Maimouna's friendship started, but similar to Girlhood, it is beautiful to watch two girls empower each other, be ride or die for one another, and have this sisterhood like bond which is enviable. For while often it seemed Maimouna was just along for the ride, she never fell prey to just being the big black best friend. For whether it was showing us her parents, us understanding how deeply she believed in her faith and how that influenced her, she wasn't made out to be shallow.A Cute Love AffairThough certainly not a huge part of the film, it was hard to not swoon a bit when it came to Dounia and Djigui's relationship. For while Amamra's youthfulness made you question if Djigui was too old for her, you can't help but lose yourself in the type of romance you could see being its own movie. For their scenes dancing together and you being able to tell he is definitely her first love, oh my god it makes you want to squeal.The Desire For MoreWhat is always necessary, but not always done, is understanding the motive and what drives the characters. With this film, it is clear from Dounia to Samir (Yasin Houicha) and everyone in between. For whether it is Maimouna sticking with Dounia because she makes her feel wanted, beautiful and free; Samir desiring Rebecca's approval for she calls him her brother and it makes him feel good; or Djigui wanting to dance because of the feeling it gives him, everyone's motives are clear.The one especially clear though is Dounia who between seeing her mother, a lecture from her teacher, and the environment she grows up in, sees crime and drugs as the easiest way to stability and money. So whether it is robbing someone to prove herself, figuring out how to drive a scooter to be more useful, or even how to go from a plain Jane to a seductress, she figures out a way and seeing her do so is something to watch.Oulaya AmamraLeading to the last bit of praise required: That for the lead Ms. Amamra. To me she is unknown and with only a handful of films before this, mostly shorts, for her to command you so well in one of her first big outings is something. I mean, she to me is the meaning of "There is strength in vulnerability" and through her eyes, you can see fear and uncertainty just as much as she can do as Tyra Banks once spoke of, in terms of smiling with your eyes.But it isn't just all physical, in a way it is mental too. There are many a beautiful actress out there but how many can get a reaction out of you with their clothes on? Amamra does that for whether it is hoping love will be true with Djigui, that she doesn't end up dead working for Rebecca, and that Maimouna doesn't abandon her when she needs her most, she gets you so emotionally invested.CriticismA Cheap & Rushed EndingThus making me wonder why the ending that was done was chosen? I get it is supposed to represent her reaping what she sows, but it left me so frustrated. For one, it seemed like a climax and then something was done with a character to get a cheap and quick reaction out of you. Which, considering all that preceded, honestly the ending seemed like the writers either didn't want you to have closure or decided to end things there for otherwise this movie would be ridiculously long.Overall: Worth SeeingI hope, similar to Lea Seydoux, this introduction to Oulaya Amamra is her invitation to the world stage. For there is this versatility to her that not many young actresses have anymore for, so it seems, they are only cast due to having pretty faces and marketable bodies. And while she may have been the main focus of my praise, overall the cast each bring something to the film where while they are largely in support of her, you can't say a single negative thing about them. Well, besides their part in the ending.
