Directed by:
Philippe LioretCinematography:
Laurent DaillandComposer:
Nicola PiovaniCast:
Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi, Audrey Dana, Derya Ayverdi, Olivier Rabourdin, Behi Djanati Atai, Jacques Herlin, Jean-Paul Comart, Thierry Godard (more)Plots(1)
Welcome is an emotionally affecting drama about intersecting lives, unlikely friendships and the hope of new beginnings. Bilal (Firat Ayverdi), a 17-year-old Kurdish refugee, has spent the last three months of his life traveling across Europe in an attempt to reunite with his girlfriend who recently emigrated to England. But his journey comes to an abrupt end when he is stopped on the French side of the Channel. Having decided to swim across, Bilal goes to the local swimming pool to train. It is here he meets Simon (Vincent Lindon), a middle-aged swimming instructor, who is privately reeling in turmoil as he dreads an imminent divorce from his wife (Audrey Dana). Despite their differences, the two men discover that they have much in common, and a strong bond emerges between them. Simon decides to take Bilal under his wing, realizing that he too must risk everything to reach the other side of happiness. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
The situation the way Lioret paints it frightens - paranoia and deceit among her neighbors reminds of totalitarianism. The acting and the subtle direction correspond well with the melodramatic undertone. What bothers me is the film's peculiarity; its effort to have an impact and convince at all costs. It's likely my own problem that I am much more affected by the authentic and more withdrawn images. I particularly had a problem with Welcome at the end – I knew exactly what the creators would present to me as another topic to make me emotional. I don't really enjoy that - I have my own mind with which to think things through. Welcome simply suffocated me with love and emotion. It's difficult to imagine what one can't fully believe in. But I acknowledge that this film is an important and certainly commendable attempt to acquaint the public with other dark sides of contemporary society.
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