Only the French could make such a funny silly film. It is amazing that it works so well. It deals with serious issues of a Jewish man and an Arab woman having a relationship. It is so ‘over the top’ and quite ridiculous but is presented in such a palpable manner.
Sara Forestier plays the sexy zany Baya Benmahmoud. Her father is Algerian and her mother a French hippie. She dresses in the most bizarre brazen clothes. She is also adorable, cheeky and full of fun. She marries a black man so he can get citizenship. She leaves him immediately after the wedding and pursues Arthur Martin.
Baya meets the sensible and conservative Arthur Martin. We learn that his mother had quite a story to tell about being hidden as a Jewish child during the war. She later marries a much older mathematician.
The relationship between Baya and the conservative Arthur presents quite a contrast. It is a contrast of personalities. It is a contrast of religion, ethnicity and historical background. I loved the scene when Arthur and Baya have their families for dinner. They are so different and have nothing in common. The two fathers find a common purpose in repairing an electrical item.
The underlying themes are serious issues. It is all presented in a very funny manner. It is delightful. Can you just imagine how funny it was when Baya appears nude on public transportation and meets a burqa clad Muslim.
There are so many issues presented underneath the hilarious antics of Baya and Arthur. Children hidden during the war is a serious topic. Mixed marriages are also presented. The Arab and Jewish interaction is so well handled. Can intermarriages work?
It is all here and this French comedy handles it all in a most entertaining manner.
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