A Prophet

The film chronicles the life of Malik Djebena, a 19 year old man who has received a six year prison sentence. One of the most important themes in the movie is the importance of reading. When Malik learns to read, he gains confidence and he begins to strategize and outsmart the Corsicans. Malik is both Corsican and Arab. His mixed heritage makes him an important asset to the Corsicans. Also, his ability to speak Corsican and Arabic makes him unique and gives him power. The film A Prophet is important because it sheds light on cultures that are often not examined in the film industry.

Prior to seeing the film, I had never heard of Corsican. The relationship between the Arabs and the Corsicans is very relatable although the film is not filmed in America or meant to depict an American prison system. In American prisons, people generally bond together with people of their race. It is clear that racism is a universal issue. I don't feel that sticking together with people from your ethnic background is racist; however, if the main goal of you and your group is to harm people of other races, that is racist. Malik is looked down upon by the Corsicans because he is Arab.

When Malik kills Hichem, there is a clear change in him. Cesar Luciani no longer has power over him. When he tries to get near Malik he is pushed away, and then punched in the stomach. At this money the shift in the power dynamic is apparent. Malik has risen to power.

One of the strong points of a prophet is that murder is not glorified. When Malik commits murders, it is very gory and messy. The experience is jarring for him. It is not clean and easy. One of the most interesting things about the last murder Malik commits is the temporary loss of hearing he experiences. Because he commits the murders in a car, the sound of the gun going off is deafening.

There are many elements in the film; race, violence and education are the most prevalent. Education allows Malik to outsmart his adversaries. At the end of the film Malik has risen above his previous struggles. He walks off with the wife of one of his good friends. I was confused about what the state of their relationship was as she told him that he could come live with her. At the end of the film it is clear that his station in life reversed completely. There are cars following him as he walks, making it clear that he is protected.