Un Prophète (2009)
A Prophet
Raiting: 
7,8 /10
Genre: Crime
Director: Jacques Audiard
Stars: Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup and Adel Bencherif
Country: France / Italy
Release date: 26 August 2009
Length: 150 minutes
"Un Prophète" (A Prophet), directed by Jacques Audiard, is a gritty and intense French crime drama that follows the rise of an illiterate and naive young man, Malik El Djebena, in the brutal world of a French prison. Played with a quiet intensity by Tahar Rahim, Malik enters prison as a 19-year-old who quickly realizes that survival inside means navigating a complex web of gang politics and power struggles.
Soon after his arrival, Malik falls under the sway of the Corsican mafia, led by the aging kingpin César Luciani. César forces Malik to carry out a brutal initiation task, which sets him on a dark and violent path. Despite his initial reluctance and vulnerability, Malik learns to adapt to his harsh surroundings, using his wits and resourcefulness to gain favor and status within the prison's hierarchy.
Throughout the film, Malik walks a tightrope between the demands of the Corsicans and his own desire for self-improvement and autonomy. He begins to educate himself, learning to read and write, and slowly starts to build his own network, both inside and outside the prison walls. His journey is marked by moments of intense violence, moral ambiguity, and the struggle for power, but also by personal growth and transformation.
As Malik's influence grows, he becomes a formidable figure in the prison, and his ambitions extend beyond its walls. The film explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the quest for identity in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. Audiard crafts a compelling narrative that is as much a character study as it is a commentary on the societal systems that shape individuals like Malik.
"Un Prophète" is a masterful piece of cinema, combining raw realism with a powerful and engaging storyline. It's a film that challenges viewers, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about crime, punishment, and the possibility of redemption. Audiard's direction, coupled with Rahim's breakout performance, makes "Un Prophète" a haunting and unforgettable experience that cements its status as a modern classic in French cinema.
Top cast - Un Prophète (2009)
Trailer - Un Prophète (2009)
"Un Prophète", directed by Jacques Audiard, is a masterful portrayal of the transformation of Malik El Djebena, played by Tahar Rahim, from a vulnerable inmate to a cunning underworld figure. This 2009 French film offers a raw and unflinching look at the brutal life inside a French prison and the criminal underworld. The film's narrative is both intense and intelligent, providing a stark examination of the survival instincts and moral complexities that drive its central character.
Tahar Rahim delivers a breakout performance as Malik, bringing a nuanced depth to a character who is both a victim and an architect of his own destiny. Rahim's Malik is a study in evolution, as he learns to navigate the treacherous waters of prison politics and the criminal activities that extend beyond the prison walls. His journey is depicted with a mix of vulnerability and cold calculation, making the audience empathize with him even as he makes morally ambiguous choices.
The direction by Audiard is nothing short of brilliant. He crafts a tense, atmospheric setting that feels claustrophobic and dangerous, a perfect backdrop for the film's gritty narrative. Audiard doesn't shy away from the violence and harsh realities of prison life, but he also focuses on the character development and the intricate plotting that underpins Malik's rise to power. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the tension to build slowly and drawing the viewer deeper into the story.
What sets "Un Prophète" apart is its refusal to conform to typical genre tropes. It's not just a prison drama or a crime film; it's a complex character study that explores themes of identity, power, and the possibility of change. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, particularly Niels Arestrup as the Corsican mob boss César Luciani, whose relationship with Malik is both manipulative and oddly paternal.
In conclusion, "Un Prophète" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its blend of stark realism, compelling storytelling, and exceptional performances make it a standout in contemporary cinema. Audiard has created a work that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes, solidifying its place as a critically acclaimed piece that deserves the attention it has received internationally.