Le grand voyage

Mustapha, an old Moroccan immigrant in France, is convinced that he probably doesn't have long to live. His dream is to make the pilgrimage to Mecca (known as the `hajj') before he dies. He asks his youngest son Réda to accompany him as driver. Réda is a long way away from the traditional world of his father, but cannot disappoint him. They embark on the journey as the most unlikely travel companions, with their difference in age not only expressed in their attitude towards tradition and what is important in life, but also in the use of language. They cross no less than seven countries before they finally arrive in Mecca. During the journey, Réda starts to learn that correct personal behaviour is a real part of the pilgrimage, and that this principle can lead to many differences of opinion and quarrels between them. During the journey, funny and less funny encounters take place. Ismaël Ferroukhi, who also wrote the script of the story, has fused together a very clever combination of road movie and family drama in Le grand voyage, concentrating on the generational conflict and the attitude towards Islam. At the Venice Film Festival, Le grand voyage won the Luigi De Laurentiis Prize for the best first feature. Ferroukhi clearly directs with sympathy for the characters and a good eye for detail. Mohamed Majid plays the role of the amiable yet strict father wonderfully. (EH)