Condemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena cannot read nor write. Arriving to 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.

“Sensational… sweeping and precisely observed. A pitch-perfect film.” (Manohla Dargis, The New York Times)

“Masterful.” (Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal)

Awards

Academy Award Nominee: Best Foreign Language Film;Cannes Film Festival Winner: Grand Jury Prize;National Board of Review Winner: Best Foreign Language Film;Golden Globe Nominee: Best Foreign Language Film