This movie is made by a local with non professional actors. This last point, contrary to similar setups, does not detract. This takes place in a real life gipsy camp in Marseille. I found the story too soul crushing and with no redemption in sight. It's not a bad movie but not what I am looking for.
3 Reviews
Powerful acting + realistic plot + Discovering an original them = Very good film.
nycterr27 October 2008
Khamsa is the story of a young gypsy, "Marco" 11 years old, who comes back to his camp after an umpteenth runaway. Marco then re-bonds with his long time friends and cousins. You will then follow him in his plunge into the fragile world of thefts, scams and violence. The main actors are young kid, most of them non-professional and they deliver a striking performance. You also cross the path of the living magma which defines the camp life and the clear reality: we do not live in the same world. This kind of "social cinema", terminology refused by the director, signifies the breaks, the junction between those who and those who have not. Marco and his friends make money out of the financial system. Marco and his friends are not protected by the police. Marco and his friends do not go to school. They dream of dogfights and burning caravans.
Amazing movie. Beautiful setting, imagery and editing.
Amazing movie. Beautiful setting, imagery and editing.
If you enjoy mayhem and movies without a plot, see "Khamsa"
filmfestive29 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
SEVERAL SPOILERS AHEAD..if you actually want to see this piece of garbage, read no further.
"Khamsa" arrived on the U.S. festival circuit courtesy of France. It follows the travails of an eleven year old runaway from foster care named Marco. I'd tell you a little about the story but I could only do that if it actually HAD one. In the 110 minute running time we are subjected to the following vignettes:
Street fight involving Marco and his pals
A sweet scene of Marco beating a defenseless hedgehog to death
Marco and buddies robbing a home
Another touching scene of Marco dousing a live snake with gasoline and then lighting it on fire
A "Hallmark" moment where Marco's father tries to get his eleven year old drunk and pushes him to have sex with his intoxicated girlfriend
Another street fight involving Marco and his homies
The film's BIG treat...a full length COCK FIGHT!
Marco stabbing another kid to death
And much, much, more!
The only thing I was thankful for (besides the end credits rolling) was that Marco and company were unsuccessful in their attempt to buy a dog for fighting purposes. Had this transaction been successful, we most certainly would have witnessed two dogs trying to maul each other to death.
The only thing saving this turkey from a "1" rating is some decent cinematography but my best suggestion is to have all remaining prints of "Khamsa" burned...like a snake.
"Khamsa" arrived on the U.S. festival circuit courtesy of France. It follows the travails of an eleven year old runaway from foster care named Marco. I'd tell you a little about the story but I could only do that if it actually HAD one. In the 110 minute running time we are subjected to the following vignettes:
Street fight involving Marco and his pals
A sweet scene of Marco beating a defenseless hedgehog to death
Marco and buddies robbing a home
Another touching scene of Marco dousing a live snake with gasoline and then lighting it on fire
A "Hallmark" moment where Marco's father tries to get his eleven year old drunk and pushes him to have sex with his intoxicated girlfriend
Another street fight involving Marco and his homies
The film's BIG treat...a full length COCK FIGHT!
Marco stabbing another kid to death
And much, much, more!
The only thing I was thankful for (besides the end credits rolling) was that Marco and company were unsuccessful in their attempt to buy a dog for fighting purposes. Had this transaction been successful, we most certainly would have witnessed two dogs trying to maul each other to death.
The only thing saving this turkey from a "1" rating is some decent cinematography but my best suggestion is to have all remaining prints of "Khamsa" burned...like a snake.
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