Sous les pieds des femmes (1997) - film review

Aya and Moncef are an Algerian couple who have made France their home.  In 1996, Aya is reunited with her former lover, whom she has not seen for 35 years.  Before leaving Algeria during its turbulent period in the late 1950s, Aya and her lover were active supporters of the terrorist liberation group, the FLN.   The return of her lover after so long a time forces Aya to think back on those difficult times...

Sous les pieds des femmes deserves to be a compelling and insightful reflection of the Algerian crisis of the late 1950s.  The concept is sound, the script is well-written.  It even has Claudia Cardinale in the leading role.  Unfortunately, the film singularly fails to engage its audience and it feels like a drawn out history lesson, lacking poetry and humanity.  The main reason for the film’s failure is – Claudia Cardinale apart - the poor quality of the acting.  Few of the characters (notably the young Aya) are portrayed with conviction or depth.  The direction is also weak in a few places - the dramatic scenes lack spontaneity and the more intimate scenes feel cold and mechanical.  In spite of its faults, the film does offer some insight into life in Algeria in the years leading towards its independence, and some spectators will be shocked by what is shown.

© James Travers 2003

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