A Prophet
A Prophet

Movie spotlight

A Prophet

2009
Movie
155 min
French

Sentenced to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena is alone in the world and can neither read nor write. On his arrival at the prison, he seems younger and more brittle than the others detained there. At once he falls under the sway of a group of Corsicans who enforce their rule in the prison. As the 'missions' go by, he toughens himself and wins the confidence of the Corsican group.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic86/100
Google Users91%
Director: Jacques AudiardGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young Arab man, Malik El Djebena, is sent to a French prison with a short sentence. Lacking connections and protection, he is forced to navigate the brutal prison hierarchy, caught between rival Corsican and Muslim gangs. To survive and gain influence, Malik cunningly plays the two factions against each other, ultimately rising through the ranks to become a powerful and feared figure.

Critical Reception

A Prophet was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its intense realism, compelling narrative, and powerful performances. Critics praised Jacques Audiard's masterful direction and the film's unflinching portrayal of prison life and organized crime. It was considered a significant achievement in contemporary cinema, earning accolades and recognition globally.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gripping and realistic portrayal of prison life and criminal ascent.

  • Praised for its intense atmosphere and Tahar Rahim's breakout performance.

  • Lauded as a modern masterpiece of the crime genre.

Google audience: Viewers found 'A Prophet' to be an incredibly compelling and intense film, with many highlighting its realistic depiction of prison dynamics and the protagonist's transformation. The film's narrative depth and strong performances were frequently cited as major strengths.

Awards & Accolades

Won the César Award for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Tahar Rahim, who plays the lead role of Malik El Djebena, was relatively unknown before being cast. He reportedly lost 20 pounds for the role and spent time observing prison life to prepare for his character's journey.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Tahar Rahim is really good in the dark, gritty and vicious prison drama. His character - "Mailk" is an illiterate eighteen year old who is sent to jail for six years for attacking a police officler. One inside, he has little protection but ...

Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Great movie in all aspects; great story and script, great cast and great performances. One of the best movies I've watched lately.

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