Part of the reason I decided to go see this film, is the country it is from. I can't remember ever having seen another film from Tunisia. This country is the birthplace of the Arab Spring, and at the same time the only country where this uprising has led to more democracy. Interesting enough, it seems.
But the movie is not about Tunisia. Its theme is universal. It could just as well have been set in Britain, China or Argentina. Only the empty tourist hotels where a large part of the film takes place, are an indication of the problems Tunisia is coping with now.
The movie really is about the universal dilemma of having to choose between chasing your dreams, or adapting to a life others expect you to lead. The 25-year old car salesman Hedi lives with his dominant mother who has arranged a marriage with a beautiful girl, partly because her father can get him a job closer to home. Hedi obediently participates in the preparations for the marriage, but doesn't seem to be very enthusiastic. When he meets another girl, the happy-go-lucky Rym, he decides to cancel the marriage, and make a living as an illustrator.
There is nothing wrong with the film, but I didn't very much enjoy it either. It's hard to say why. I think the reason is that it is hard to identify with Hedi. He is an unlikable character who is dull, timid, dishonest and lazy. He never shows his true emotions, cheats on his fiancée and spends time on the beach while his employer pays him to sell cars. All this is due to his dominant mother, but nevertheless I didn't like Hedi.
The best parts are the scenes where Hedi, after all, shows some emotions. There are two: the first one when he confronts his mother after his decision to cancel the marriage, and a second one at the very end. The end is rather surprising, and easily the best part of the film. It makes you leave the cinema with a frown on your forehead.
