"Children of the stork" is a completely off-the-rails road movie that deals with some potent social and political issues, while it entertains. It succeeds at doing both, and the end result is an unforgettable look at three young rebels, who take to the open road, when they discover a stork, who turns out to be an illegal Arab immigrant, hiding out in France. (Yes, I said a stork..) Together they will try to get the stork to the German border, where it will be safe. It is nuts, but it all makes sense, and it is not as innocent and harmless as it sounds. Mixed in with the comic moments, is some very angry feelings concerning France's treatment of Arabs, mainly Algerians, who have come to make a life for themselves while holding onto their own identity. Having a knowledge of the French/Algerian conflict will help a lot in understanding the meanings and messages of this amazing film. About the film itself, it is brilliantly edited, and is quite often beautiful to look at. The camera is constantly catching moments at all angles, and quick cuts and editing give the production a frenetic and urgent quality. The cast of the three friends are all great, and Ouassini Embarek as the Algerian teen who leaves his family after they try to strip him of his north African heritage and his religion, is especially great here. Apparently this film is dedicated to one Algerian man who snuck over the French border by hiding under a truck, hence the storyline of the displaced stork. This surreal, and unforgettable film is a fine tribute to this man, as well as a savage attack on capitalism, police brutality, nationalism and the oppression of all human freedom. A unique and important piece of cinema that will take some effort to find, but it is worth it.
Review of Children of the Stork
