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[Locamon]

I had read a couple of reviews of this before I went along and while they had been generally positive they basically condemned it as a little contrived and overwrought. I went anyway because I was intrigued by the story and both reviews had at least said it contained some strong character studies.
Well I was delighted I went. While I could see where some of the criticisms came from I completely disagreed and have to say this was one of the best movies I have seen this year.
Yes some of the elements of the movie did seem contrived and a little bit of a stretch but I thought it was done on purpose and with the slightest of shifts the viewer is quickly posed some great questions -what is the difference between our refusal to deal with the refugee issue now and historical minorities of the past? Just because the state decides people are illegals is their plight any less genuine? And the age old question why do we glorify heroic love of the past but assume it has no chance or makes no sense in the present day?
Anyway big questions aside this was very entertaining and as with most French movies it doesn't shy away from unhappy truths.. that said for a very tough subject it did have a more upbeat underlying message.