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Conversations that reveal character

From The Secret of the Grain

Film: The Secret of the Grain (French with English subtitles)

Cast: Habib Boufares, Hafsia Herzi, Sami Zitouni

Director: Abdellatif Kechiche

The Secret of the Grain is the story of a 61-year-old Tunisian immigrant, Slimane, who is laid off after working for 35 years on a dock in the south of France. Or it also could be the story of Rym, the feisty young daughter of Slimane’s mistress. It could very well be the story of Slimane’s ex-wife, Souad, who is an excellent cook.

It could be the story of Slimane’s daughter Karima or of his sons. It could be the tale of Slimane rising like a phoenix from the ashes of his dismissal to launch a restaurant on an old freighter. And it could also be about the fine mullet couscous Souad makes, which is the staple of the extended family meal every Sunday and is to be the special at the restaurant.

The Secret of the Grain is all of this but over and above everything, it is a study of character. It is a movie which places character above plot. The film follows the rhythm of real life, rather than the cinematic idiom where brevity is the soul and things happen to further the plot.

In the film, conversations rather than revealing plot details and pushing the story forward, are savoured as they reveal character rather than plot.

For instance, when Slimane visits his daughter, Karima, there are many conversations taking place simultaneously. Karima is upset with her cherub-like daughter for not being potty trained. Karima’s husband is worried about migrant workers being preferred over the French. Slimane talks to his daughter and son-in-law all the while whispering sweet-nothings to his grandchildren.

The film at 151 minutes is long but like that legendary box of chocolates is a treat all the way through.

MAC

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