A Prophet

Name: A Prophet
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: February 26, 2010
Duration: 155 min
Rating: 90
Cast: Tahar Rahim

2010

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Universal acclaim based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 220 Ratings

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8.5

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8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 220 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: February 26, 2010 | R

Starring: Tahar Rahim

Summary: Condemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena cannot read or write. Arriving at the jail entirely alone, he appears younger and more fragile than the other convicts. He is 19 years old. Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang who rules the prison, he is given a number of "missions" to carry out, toughening him up and gaining theCondemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena cannot read or write. Arriving at the jail entirely alone, he appears younger and more fragile than the other convicts. He is 19 years old. Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang who rules the prison, he is given a number of "missions" to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader's confidence in the process. But Malik is brave and a fast learner, daring to secretly develop his own plans. (Sony Pictures Classics)… Expand

Director: Jacques Audiard

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 155 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Joshua Rothkopf

Why do we care? Because never before have the steps to thugdom, as depressing as that destination may be, been so rigorously detailed, neither romanticized nor negated. Don’t miss. Read full review

100

Andrew O'Hehir

It's a highly original film made in a familiar context, and an exciting moviegoing experience you shouldn't miss. Read full review

100

Kenneth Turan

To borrow a marketing phrase from another, very different film, A Prophet really is the movie that reminds you why you love the movies. Especially movies like this one. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Audiard delivers on and exceeds the promise he evinced in that earlier film, drawing viewers into the densely layered, ruthless ecology of a French prison and, against all odds, making them not mind staying there awhile. Read full review

Michael Phillips

A Prophet pushes its protagonist into circumstances he did not choose but in which he watches and learns and kills and eventually becomes all he can be, albeit criminally. Certainly Muslims living in France have embraced the movie and Malik, played by Rahim Read full review

Empire Andrew Male

A modern French crime epic where the smudges and crossings out do not diminish the passages of great dreamlike power. Read full review

Claudia Puig

A compelling piece of naturalistic filmmaking, claustrophobic and thought-provoking. Read full review

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User Reviews

Film_Fanatic_15

Nov 23, 2010

What is really great about this movie, is the simplicity of it. An Arabian man who is sentenced to six years in prison soon is confronted by a Corsican gang who gives him several tasks to do, soon becoming a ruthless gang member, and he can't even read or write.There is this sense of immenseWhat is really great about this movie, is the simplicity of it. An Arabian man who is sentenced to six years in prison soon is confronted by a Corsican gang who gives him several tasks to do, soon becoming a ruthless gang member, and he can't even read or write.There is this sense of immense greatness toward Malik who is only 19 years old and seems like the only nice guy who won't shoot an inmate. And the Corsican gang seems to be his only refuge, even if he doesn't like it. The plot is simply told, not through verbal communication, but in several instances where the filmakers step you outside the movie and try to tell you, "This is Malik now." He soon becomes productive, and ruthless. He slowly rebuilds his life. A perfect crime drama that has things anybody could ask for in one.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

joelt

Mar 3, 2010

What a thrill ! When the French start to do things their own way and when they do it good... no one match them. I hope many Americans as possible will able to see this masterpiece. Fucking brilliant.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

j30

Jan 26, 2012

The gritty, French crime drama A Prophet is irresistible. It almost feels like a Martin Scorsese picture with all the underlying themes (particularly racism and social class).

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

blok

Jan 5, 2011

Here is a fantastic movie. I would say itâ

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

avatar16

May 21, 2012

Un film choc qui peut aussi bien se voir comme un documentaire viscÃ©ral sur la vie dans les prisons franÃ§aises (en tout cas, les moins frÃ©quentables) qu'un bon polar, avec en fond une histoire mafieuse se dÃ©roulant au sein mÃªmeUn film choc qui peut aussi bien se voir comme un documentaire viscÃ©ral sur la vie dans les prisons franÃ§aises (en tout cas, les moins frÃ©quentables) qu'un bon polar, avec en fond une histoire mafieuse se dÃ©roulant au sein mÃªme de l'Ã©tablissement. On aurait bien pu se dÃ©sintÃ©resser du sujet assez rapidement, avec sa durÃ©e de 2h24, mais il n'en est rien, le film nous captivant de bout en bout. Et cela grÃ¢ce Ã une impeccable mise en scÃ¨ne (donnant une atmsophÃ¨re prenante Ã l'ensemble, une puissance Ã la plupart des scÃ¨nes...), Ã un casting de qualitÃ© (avec en tÃªte Tahar Rahim et Niels Arestrup), et Ã une bande son hypnotisante (qui amplifie le cÃ´tÃ© accrocheur du film). Bref, il n'y a rien Ã dire d'autres sur Un ProphÃ¨te, chef-d'oeuvre du cinÃ©ma franÃ§ais que l'on doit Ã un rÃ©alisateur de gÃ©nie : Jacques Audiard!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

hamidgoodarzi

Feb 23, 2023

"A Prophet" is a film that must be seen and enjoyed. An impressive and unique drama from "Jacques Audiard", a respected contemporary French director who has gained a high position for himself with this film. The movie "A Prophet" is a lasting movie with no expiration date. The sequence of"A Prophet" is a film that must be seen and enjoyed. An impressive and unique drama from "Jacques Audiard", a respected contemporary French director who has gained a high position for himself with this film. The movie "A Prophet" is a lasting movie with no expiration date. The sequence of killing "Rib" is a masterpiece and unmatched. "Tahar Rahim's" performance in the role of "Malik Al Jabna" is unique and deserved to receive the best actor Caesar, but the other masterpiece of the film belongs to "Niels Arstrup" in the role of "Cesar Luciani". A subtle and powerful game that cannot be found in the current cinema. It shows such power, strength and decline that you will be amazed. This film tells the story of the impact of the environment and society on the occurrence of violence and the rise to power of a cowardly youth. French contemporary cinema is respected and praised, and the south of France plays an effective role in French contemporary cinema. The island of Corsica is in the south of France, and the film's reference to "Corsicans" refers to the Italians living on that island.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

QuincyH

Feb 27, 2010

I think it should read, "Malik El Djebena cannot read NOR write". I love the concept of this website, I just want to keep your guys on your editing toes. Thanks for the service.

0 of 12 users found this helpful

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