HALFAOUINE: CHILD OF THE TERRACES
A film review by Thomas E. Billings
Copyright 1991 Thomas E. Billings
Synopsis: A kind-hearted story of the coming-of-age of a 12-year-old boy in modern Tunisia. Provides a rare look into sensuality and sexuality in modern Arab societies. Charming, frequently witty and funny, and very entertaining.
Tunisia/France (English subtitles), color, 1990, 98 minutes. Director/Writer: Ferid Boughedir
The story centers on Noura, a 12 year old boy who is small for his age. Because of his size and appearance, he is still permitted to accompany his mother to the women's bathhouse. Inasmuch as Noura is feeling the first desires associated with puberty, the baths are centers of eroticism to him, as they are full of naked/partially naked women. (I wonder whether the film was screened uncensored, i.e., including nudity, in Tunisia?)
However, Noura is growing up, and he will soon be banished from the women's baths, and the society of women, into the much harsher society of men. The story line centers on Noura's exploits as he explores his new and growing sexual desires. Typical of "hormone comedies," he has (two) male friends who are a bad influence on him, and encourage him to engage in various types of mischief. Noura's entry into the world of men is helped by two women: his mother's cousin, and a beautiful young woman hired as a maid in Noura's household.
Because of religious sensitivities, films from Arab countries usually cannot be as frank about sexuality and sensuality as Western films. In some ways that can be good, because it can force the filmmakers to use humor or wit to compensate. An example is the film THE CITADEL, an extremely funny and witty film about polygamy and the effects of uncontrolled sexual desire. What makes HALFAOUINE interesting is the direct view it provides of sexuality and sensuality in an Arab culture. The view is generally kind-hearted, and relatively upbeat.
In an interview published in the San Francisco International Film Festival Program Guide, the director, Ferid Boughedir explains his treatment of sexuality: "It has always fascinated me how everyday sensuality has always belied the inflexibility of official dogma.... At a time when cliches about the Arab culture are becoming as arbitrary as ever, I am tempted to talk about a Mediterranean society that can still be experienced today, a society that is luxuriant and tender, where humor and eroticism are always prevalent together with tolerance -- a word rather difficult to brandish about today."
The film has been compared to MY LIFE AS A DOG, another story of a young boy's coming-of-age. However, HALFAOUINE is more upbeat, and does not have the melancholy spirit of MY LIFE AS A DOG. Of the two films, I strongly prefer HALFAOUINE, for its pleasant humor and wit.
Because of its pleasant humor and wit, I recommend the film to a general audience. Overall, the movie rates in the very good/excellent range.
Print Source: Ervin, Cohen & Jessup; 9401 Wilshire Blvd; 9th Floor; Beverly Hills, CA 90064. (Note: a screening is scheduled for 5/9/91, at the Aquarius Twin Cinema, in Palo Alto, CA).
Reviewer contact: teb@stat.Berkeley.EDU
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