An emotionally loaded drama about the father-son bond that develops between a listless, recently divorced Calais swim instructor and a Kurdish boy who desperately wants to learn to swim.
"Dramatising the stark inhumanity of France’s laws regarding illegal immigrants and those who offer them shelter, "Welcome" was a surprise box office success in France - and the subject of much public debate. The excellent Vincent Lindon is the latest incarnation of a uniquely French movie type; the sexy, soulful, no-frills working guy. You can be moved by his Simon, even while you see just how his wife (Audrey Dana) might have yearned for someone a little more forward-looking. A superb director of actors, Philippe Lioret blends his stars with Kurdish amateurs, drawing a potently affecting performance from 17-year old Firat Ayverdi as the ardent, focused Bilal." (World Cinema Showcase 2010)
2009 / Rating: M, contains violence and offensive language / 115 mins / France / French, English and Kurdish, with English subtitles / DRAMA
