LILA SAYS
Directed by: Ziad Doueiri.
Produced by: Marina Gefter.
Written by: Ziad Doueiri & Mark F. Lawrence, based on a novel by Chimo.
Director of Photography: John Daly.
Edited by: Tina Baz.
Music by: Nitin Sawhney.
Released by: Samuel Goldwyn.
Language: French with English subtitles.
Country of Origin: France/UK. 89 min. Not Rated.
With: Vahina Giocante, Mohammed Khouas, Karim Ben Haddou & Edmonde Franchi.

Lila, a 16-year-old French girl, has recently moved into a mostly Arab neighborhood, and upon meeting Chimo, tells him he can look up her skirt. From then on, she blatantly provokes him sexually. While the 19 year old likes her more and more, he also feels uncomfortable with her liberal talk about her sexual experiences. The Marseilles neighborhood talks, and Chimo's best friend Mouloud, aggressive and insecure, becomes obsessed with Lila - who doesn't give him a second glance - and jealous of Chimo.

After about 20 minutes, if not less, the outcome can be correctly guessed. In cases like this, a film can be saved, and even improved beyond expectations, by the quality of the acting and the script. In Lila Says, all is up to the actors who are usually - but not always - up to the challenge. Vahina Giocante (Lila) starts out unconvincingly, with flat line readings and expressions. But as the film unfolds, she gets becomes more alive, and even though her fate is predictable, she manages to be compelling by the end. The same can be said of Mohammed Khouas (Chimo), who gives a solid performance.

It is the supporting characters who make the story a bit more intriguing than it would first appear to be, like Karim Ben Haddou as Mouloud, a no-good rascal who nevertheless is subtly portrayed with shades of gray that show emotion and disappointment behind his violent attitude. Or Lila's aunt (Edmonde Franchi), who people say is crazy, and, it turns out, is also attracted to Lila, staring up her niece's skirt and describing the view with exalted, almost religious adoration. But the lack of mystery prevents the film from advancing beyond its own premise and promise. Been there, seen that, good as it generally is. Roxana M. Ramirez
June 24, 2005