Samba * * *

Samba is from the same team that gave us The Intouchables a couple of years ago; so if you saw that highly successful film you know the formula.   And if you liked that, you’ll probably like this.  I did, I will admit. I can’t say I was elated by it but they certainly know how to put together an entertaining couple of hours for you.  

Once again Directors/ Writers Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano have cast Omar Sy.  This time he is an illegal immigrant.  He seeks help from  a migrant assistance organisation where he meets Alice played by Charlotte Gainsbourg.  There is an immediate attraction between them but they really don’t know what to say to each other.   I think most of us can relate to being in that situation at some time in our lives.  Being the most subtle, that unresolved attraction and tension between them was one of  the best parts of Samba.  The closest colleague to Alice is Manu and the closest friend to Salma is Wilson; they too feel an attraction.

Samba is a man who is “obliged” to leave France.   I get the impression that in France they don’t kick out illegal immigrants so much as brand them citizen non-gratis making them unemployable, unable to legitimately apply or sign for anything and ineligible for any kind of welfare.  Samba has to leave the country or survive a year in this limbo condition until he can re-apply for citizenship.

Do not expect drama of any real depth from this film so much as lots and lots of amusing events - a bit like The Intouchables (surprise surprise).  Many films tell their stories by imperative: Samba has an imperative - he wants to stay in France but that seems to play second fiddle to lots of comical situations as he moves from various cash-in-hand jobs and avoids the authorities with his cheeky friend Wilson.  It could almost have been several episodes from a television series. But the situations are so amusing you forget about the higher objective that has been put aside.  I’m not complaining, I enjoyed it.  As demonstrated in The Intouchables Omar Sy is blessed with charisma and he carries the role well, as do the other characters.  Samba is a competent comedy with an irresistible crowd pleasing formula.