One Man and His Cow

Fatah, a peasant from Algier needs to bring his cow Jacqueline to Paris for visiting a contest. So he does all to get her to Paris. On their way, Fatah and Jacqueline face all kinds of people. It's a kind story with philosophical touch. I specially liked the acting of Fatsah Bouyahmed, who acts Fatah. He gives the main character an intelligent, but also naiv touch. Over the most playtime, I was tied to the screen, because I wanted so hard, that he succeeds. In that case the route is the goal. Fine movie, I like it.

A nice story about an ingenious Algerian peasant and his beloved cow. After many letters, he is admitted at Pasris agricultural fair. The support of the comunity makes the trip to France possible.

And, in large measure, this is all.

The rest can be reduced at cultural cliches, easy humor, Lambert Wilson,Jamel Debbouze , the effort of Fatsah Bouyahmed to explore the possibilities of his character.

You know the story and the end is so predictable.

A very soft film , inspiring some smiles, remembering Algerian obsession in different tone.

Nothing new but a reasonable film , remembering, maybe too much, others about similar theme.

This review will be very short.

With that said. While I loved this movie I found it frustrating that Fatah's Algerian community did not adequately prepare Fatah logistically for the LOOOOOONG journey. Walking from Marseilles to Paris with a cow and just a handful of belongings? I guess disbelief was indeed suspended. But I suppose that if Fatahs journey was made more comfortable / easier then there would be no story...

Do not hesitate to watch it, it's well worth it. Funny, interesting feel good movie with an unusual and original plot. .

This here is not a complacent review out to be over-enthusiastic about the Algerian-French phenomenon, but rather one that looks at the genuine quality of this very refreshing, honest, solidly crafted and well inspired contemporary comedy.

The plot is simple, and it's the adventure in the various places it takes the lead 'Fatah', the journey including the different people, sensitivities and emotions he discovers, the Algeria vs France contradictions and intrinsic antagonisms, and ultimately, his epiphany while being away from home in discovering more about himself from a newer perspective.

The film overall is very well crafted, perfectly coherent and follows a very good rhythm. The jokes are good, the humor is lively and very culturally-charged and finally there are many little references/remarks/hints with implication and symbol that require a particular wit in understanding carefully laid throughout the playtime.