Le Grand Voyage (The Great Journey)

A road film like no other. Ismaël Ferroukhi's powerful film about a father and son on a spiritual journey that serves as a metaphor for the West and the East. Reda, a French born Arab is forced to drive his father on his pilgrimage from the south of France to Mecca on a 3000 miles journey. The authoritative and distant father who has lost touch with his son due to the generational and cultural gap and the son who has lost his connection with his roots clash and bond on this epic journey. Nicolas Cazalé and Mohamed Majd deliver powerful performances as the son and father. It's one of a kind film that delivers a powerful story with an equally powerful message rarely seen on screen specially in the US. A subtle and profound story without sex and violence that it's shocking not to see them in a film. It's also a great film about Islam that gives an accurate view with a rare glimpse of the pilgrimage in Mecca. Anybody that thinks that Islam preaches hate should see this film and not base their opinion on hearsay. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.