The story of an improbable friendship between Omar, a French-Algerian, and Raphael, a "Pied- Noir" (the derogatory name of a French settler in Algeria) and their families makes a moving, humane narrative to the war for Algerian independence. Great acting from the two child actors as well as the colourful supporting cast portraying the French-Algerian community in Paris. The conflicting loyalties, friendship and ties are gently thrown into relief, viewed from the optimism and compassion of the boys who are precociously mature, having to deal with the harsh realities of adult struggles around them, but charmingly fresh and bold as children are wont to be. This isn't an epic style film, but those who are moved by films like "Cinema Paradiso" and "Milena" might similarly be touched by this excellent, intimate, unpretentious effort.
