Banlieusards

Banlieusards is a 2019 French film co-written and directed by rapper and actor, Kery James. The film, which roughly translates to "Suburbs" in English, offers a compelling exploration of life in the banlieues, or the low-income housing projects located in the outskirts of Paris. Not merely content with offering a passive representation of an all too often marginalized community, the film seeks to poke holes into the various stereotypes associated with banlieues, presenting its characters as multi-dimensional beings living complex lives.

Kery James, alongside Jammeh Diangana and Bakary Diombera, lead the cast of Banlieusards. James, who is also a co-writer of the film, stars as Soulaymaan, a promising law student whose success story is mired by the reputation of his neighborhood. Soulaymaan is a strong character full of determination and commitment, devoted to breaking free from the societal and economic bonds that restrain him. Yet, despite his ambition, he remains torn between his existing life and the life he aspires to have, representing the trials and tribulations of many young people from similar backgrounds.

While Soulaymaan symbolizes the potential for change and growth in these marginalized areas, his younger brother, Noumouké, played by Diombera, signifies the opposite. Noumouké is deeply entrenched in the neighborhood, caught up in a life of crime resulting from disillusionment and the lack of opportunity. His storyline serves as a sobering reminder of the grim reality many youths face. Noumouké's character personifies the desperation of the countless young people feeling trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and violence, with seemingly no way out.

Jammeh Diangana, who plays the brothers' hardworking older sibling, Demba, brings a unique dynamic to the mix. Demba represents a sense of wisdom and responsibility. His character embodies the struggle of trying to maintain a family while balancing the push and pull between two worlds. Through Demba, audiences catch a glimpse of the burden borne by those who are trying to lift their families out of poverty while simultaneously dealing with the inherent challenges that come with living in the banlieues.

Banlieusards also introduces a fresh perspective through Lisa, Soulaymaan's love interest and fellow law student. Lisa, played by Chloé Jouannet, battles her own set of challenges as she begins to question her privileged life when exposed to Soulaymaan's starkly contrasted experience. Lisa's role introduces a nuanced dialogue on class and privilege in French society.

Set against the backdrop of the suburban ghettos of France, Banlieusards transcends the usual narrative, offering an analysis of French society that doesn't shy away from interrogating core issues. The film presents itself as a socio-political commentary, tackling social issues like prejudice, poverty, and inequality, ultimately raising questions about personal responsibility, community, and the impact of societal negligence on marginalized populations.

The spine of Banlieusards is the gripping courtroom setting where Soulaymaan and his rival, played by Jean-Paul Omeyer, participate in a debate on the state of the suburban youth. This scenario provides the film with a platform to dissect the societal prejudices against banlieu inhabitants, effectively deconstructing the stereotype often associated with the impoverished outskirts of Paris.

In terms of cinematic quality, Banlieusards excels with its gritty and immersive visuals that bring to life the harsh realities of the banlieues, perfectly capturing the fascination and foreboding that the suburb’s labyrinthine landscapes inspire. But more importantly, the film successfully showcases the stories that unfold within these settings.

Banlieusards is a film of deep significance that delves into the difficulties of navigating life in marginalized communities. It aims to expose its audience to the harsh realities faced by those living in the banlieus while seeking to shatter the preconceived notions about these neighborhoods and their inhabitants. It is an ode to the willingness to beat the odds, grow, and find hope in seemingly hopeless situations. Amidst its social commentary, the film still finds room to celebrate the strength and the resilience of those forging their own destinies.