L'histoire de Souleymane

A well rounded film where we get to witness an Asylum Seeker's life in a France for 3 days. Film does a great job portraying emotions and moral dilemma of the lead character who toils all day to just to pass his interview and get an asylum. We witness personal struggles of the character that brought him to France while preparing for his upcoming interview where he often receives contradicting advice on how to 'crack' the interview. The film can feel slightly cramped due to the range of struggles we get to witness that the lead character undergoes just within the period of 3 days coupled with the moral contradiction. I don't particularly have a criticism but probably wouldn't be my first pick for the Cannes Jury Prize but nevertheless a great watch.

What a sad way to see my natal city!

Only kidding, I enjoyed every moment of this 'story' but my enjoyment was only about this battler who brought tears in many viewers eyes.

I did not mind to see the hardship one goes trough to try to make a decent living.

Although I do understand the fine balance governments have to juggle with to be human but not invaded. I wish no one would have to go through such difficulties. But one can't dismiss reality It is interesting to learn that many actors weren't proffessionals and so could give authenticity to such a story.

I realise after watching this film we all go home and face many other situations and soon may forget about all the Souleymen. Then some may not...

Souleymane's Story is a gripping and deeply human tale that sheds light on the struggles of asylum seekers in modern Paris. Directed by Boris Lojkine, the film follows Souleymane, a food delivery cyclist racing against time to prepare for a critical interview that could determine his future. In just 91 minutes, the narrative delivers an unflinching portrayal of survival, hope, and the emotional toll of uncertainty.

Abou Sangaré's performance is a revelation, capturing the vulnerability and determination of a young man caught between the harsh realities of his daily life and the weight of his dreams. The supporting cast, including Nina Meurisse, adds depth to the story, highlighting the fragile human connections Souleymane forms along the way.

Lojkine's direction is understated yet powerful, using the streets of Paris as both a backdrop and a character in itself. The cinematography immerses the viewer in the city's contrasting beauty and hostility, mirroring Souleymane's inner turmoil. The film's pacing is tight, and its realism leaves a lasting impact, compelling viewers to confront the humanity behind headlines and statistics.

Rating: 8/10 - A heartfelt and necessary exploration of resilience in the face of systemic challenges.

A very sad and true story, that reconnects you with reallity. The type of reallity that is hard to admit is true. The reallity that happens everyday around us, but that is too unconfortable to aknowledge constantly.

I recently have been feeling very numb towards societal challenges, and this film surelly served as a reawakening. There is no where to run. This is the world we live in and pretending it doesnt exist doesn't make it any better.

Acompanied by superb acting, all characters make this film, to me, feel almost like a documentary.

My favorite movie of the year, and that I feel woll acompanie me through a long time.

What can i say. This movie holds you the whole way through. The story of Souleymane is a familiar one but told with such heart and soul you are with him all the way. The reality for asylum seekers everywhere is an unrelenting one. Through his eyes we feel his despair and hope for the change he wants. The performances are flawless from everyone involved and the stress we feel for his journey is very real. What a writing and acting achievement. Much of the story is filmed in the 9th and i felt it gave a voice to the plight of the asylum seekers looking for work, hope for a life here and the respect they deserve. Incredible movie. I never give a 10/10 but I couldn't see a flaw.