Lila Says 2005
Directed by
Ziad Doueiri
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Films
Plot Summary
Chimo, a nineteen-year-old self-proclaimed loser living in an Arab ghetto in post-9/11 Marseille, struggles with unemployment and self-worth. Despite showing real talent as a writer, he neglects a free opportunity to attend a writers’ school in Paris, choosing instead to pass his days aimlessly among other disillusioned peers. His life takes a turn when he becomes infatuated with Lila, a striking sixteen-year-old played by Vahina Giocante, who moves into the neighborhood with her peculiar and abusive aunt. Lila embodies a “bad girl” image, flaunting her sexuality, and their complex relationship begins when she daringly invites him to look up her skirt while swinging.
As their romance develops, tension escalates when Mouloud, Chimo’s best friend and self-appointed leader of their group, also pursues Lila. His obsession leads him to harass her relentlessly, making it impossible for her to walk the streets unbothered. Chimo’s growing disgust for Mouloud’s vile treatment of Lila creates a significant divide between the two friends. Mouloud, feeling betrayed by Chimo’s changing feelings and Lila’s ambivalence, unleashes his fury by assaulting both Lila and her aunt, ultimately resulting in a traumatic violation of Lila, which devastates Chimo.
Shattered by the revelation that Lila had been a virgin all along—contrary to her flood of fabricated sexual escapades—Chimo discovers her scrapbook filled with fictitious tales. When Lila’s aunt decides to take her away, Chimo is left with a heart full of sorrow. In a moment of desperation, he convinces a police detective to let him call Lila, where he simply utters “I love you,” to which she responds, “I know.”
In the aftermath of this painful experience, Chimo begins to find solace in his writing, channeling his emotions into words. Eventually, he achieves the writing scholarship he once dismissed, presenting him with the chance to escape the confines of his troubled environment and pursue his education among Paris’s elite. Lila’s presence transforms Chimo’s existence just as profoundly as his changes impacted hers.
Timeline
Chimo's Life in Marseille
Chimo, a nineteen-year-old self-proclaimed loser, navigates life in an Arab ghetto in Marseille after the events of 9/11. Burdened by unemployment and low self-esteem, he struggles to find direction amidst his disillusioned peers.
Missed Opportunity
Despite his evident talent for writing, Chimo neglects a free opportunity to attend a prestigious writers' school in Paris. Instead, he chooses to spend his time aimlessly among his friends, missing out on a chance to change his life.
Meeting Lila
Chimo becomes infatuated with Lila, a sixteen-year-old girl who moves into the neighborhood with her abusive aunt. Their first interaction is provocative and sets the tone for a complex and tumultuous relationship that unfolds.
The Rise of Tension
As Chimo's feelings for Lila deepen, tension builds when his best friend Mouloud starts pursuing her as well. Mouloud's obsessive behavior leads him to harass Lila, making her increasingly uncomfortable in her own neighborhood.
Chimo vs. Mouloud
Chimo grows increasingly disgusted with Mouloud's treatment of Lila, creating a rift in their friendship. His ethical stand against Mouloud's vile actions contrasts sharply with his friend's aggression.
The Violence Escalates
Following Chimo's perceived betrayal, Mouloud unleashes his fury by assaulting Lila and her aunt, striking a devastating blow to the already fragile situation. This horrific event shatters Chimo, further complicating his feelings.
Shattering Revelations
After the trauma, Chimo discovers Lila's scrapbook filled with false tales about her sexual experiences, revealing her true virginity. This shocking revelation complicates Chimo's feelings towards Lila even further.
Lila's Departure
With Mouloud's actions leading to chaos, Lila's aunt decides to remove her from the neighborhood altogether. Chimo is left heartbroken as he faces the impending loss of Lila from his life.
A Desperate Call
In a desperate attempt to reach out to Lila, Chimo convinces a police detective to allow him to call her. He manages to express his feelings with a simple yet poignant declaration of love, receiving an equally impactful response.
Finding Solace in Writing
In the wake of his traumatic experiences, Chimo turns to writing as a means of processing his emotions. This newfound dedication serves as both a refuge and a tool for his personal healing.
A Turning Point
Through his writing, Chimo eventually receives the scholarship to the writers' school in Paris that he previously dismissed. This represents a crucial turning point allowing him to escape his troubled environment.
Transformation through Love
Lila's presence in Chimo's life catalyzes a profound transformation for both of them. While her impact on his life is significant, Chimo's budding self-awareness also inspires Lila to confront her own challenges.
Characters
Chimo
Chimo is a nineteen-year-old aspiring writer who feels trapped in an unfulfilling life marked by unemployment and low self-esteem. He grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the lure of a life unfulfilled, which deeply affects his relationships, especially with Lila. His transformation through love and heartbreak ultimately drives him toward self-discovery.
Lila
Lila is a sixteen-year-old girl who embodies a complex ‘bad girl’ persona, marked by her provocative behavior and troubled background. She oscillates between vulnerability and defiance, captivating Chimo while also drawing the unwanted attention of Mouloud. Her layered character exemplifies the scars of her upbringing and the loneliness beneath her bold facade.
Mouloud
Mouloud is Chimo's best friend who represents the darker side of male camaraderie. His obsession with Lila turns into harassment, showcasing the toxic manifestations of jealousy and possession. Mouloud’s betrayal of Chimo’s trust marks a turning point in their friendship, reflecting the destructive potential of envy.
Setting
Time period
Post-9/11
Set in the years following the September 11 attacks, this time period is marked by heightened social tensions and economic challenges in many communities. For youngsters like Chimo, it’s a time of uncertainty, grappling with identity, relationships, and aspirations amidst an evolving societal landscape.
Location
Marseille, Paris
The movie takes place in post-9/11 Marseille, characterized by its diverse neighborhoods and complex social dynamics. Marseille is known for its rich history and vibrant culture, often serving as a backdrop for stories of struggle and resilience. Paris, on the other hand, represents elegance and opportunity, contrasting sharply with Chimo's current life in the ghetto.
Themes
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Love and Betrayal
The central theme of the movie revolves around love intertwined with betrayal. Chimo's infatuation with Lila brings both joy and turmoil, showcasing the complexities of young love. As his friendship with Mouloud deteriorates over Lila, the harsh realities of loyalty and obsession come to the forefront.
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Art and Expression
Chimo's journey emphasizes the importance of self-expression through art, particularly writing. His talent becomes a means of coping with emotional pain and finding solace. The act of channeling personal struggles into creative outlets shows the transformative power of art in overcoming adversity.
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Friendship and Rivalry
The tension between Chimo and Mouloud illustrates the fine line between friendship and rivalry. As loyalties are tested in their pursuit of Lila, the story delves into the complexities of male relationships, jealousy, and the consequences of unresolved conflict.
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