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      Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets

      Released Apr 16, 2003 1h 35m Drama List
      73% 11 Reviews Tomatometer 85% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score Children who live on the streets of Morocco attempt to give one of their friends a funeral fit for royalty. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

      View All (47) audience reviews
      William L Though Ali Zaoua may have lost some of its international acclaim since making the rounds at international film festivals upon release, it remains a touching portrayal of urban homelessness (notably, in a distinctly non-American environment). Characters exist in scrappy environments where the sole escape seems to be either through a high or pure fantasy, as society and their families have determined that they are of insufficient value to redeem; in attempting to bury their friend, Ali's friends reflect upon his legacy and ambitions (often exaggerating his capabilities and accomplishments), seeing in his death their own bleak fates. Any form of true escape, especially self-betterment, is met with hostility, particularly from those that are suffering under similar circumstances. Thematically traditional, but well-executed with good performances from the child actors involved; the sporadic animated segments with their childish whimsy are a surprising treat. (3.5/5) Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/02/21 Full Review S R 1001 movies to see before you die. Showing the Moroccan homeless children's plight. A bit far fetched for me having been to Casablanca and I never saw those kinds of situations / poverty. It was on Internet Archive. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/12/23 Full Review Audience Member Although there are some well-shot passages here, the film never seems to want to do more than find the most effective way to generate some sadness. But the emotions aren't well-earned, because this material has been done before, and they don't stay with the viewer once the film is done. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member I've watched the City of God.. But this movie has its own plot with the same scenario.. Amazing! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Still haven't watched "City of God", the standard to which movies like this are held. As such, I liked this movie pretty well on its own. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member You know you're in trouble when the film kills off its best character in the first five minutes. Cheaply won sentiment is the rule here, which is too bad, as the setting and circumstances seem ripe for a good film. As a result of the many poor and obvious decisions by the filmmakers, the film feels exploitative of the plight of street kids in Casablanca and the world over. The brief animated sequences were a terrific touch, but otherwise, just see Los Olvidados instead. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Photos

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      Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets

      Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets (2000) Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets (2000) Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets (2000) Ali Zaoua: Prince of the Streets (2000) View more photos

      Critics Reviews

      View All (11) Critics Reviews
      Empire Magazine Rated: 3/5 Dec 30, 2006 Full Review Jonathan Curiel San Francisco Chronicle Ayouch takes a subject that could be thoroughly depressing ... and -- through a simple story line, dramatic acting and National Geographic-like shots of the city's rough and pristine edges -- creates cinematic magic. Rated: 4/4 Aug 1, 2003 Full Review V.A. Musetto New York Post In its own, low-key way, Ali Zaoua is just as stirring [as City of God]. Rated: 3/4 Apr 16, 2003 Full Review Marc Mohan Oregonian Ayouch has crafted a powerful reminder of how kids can adapt to even the worst of circumstances. May 16, 2003 Full Review John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews Like a treadmill, Ali Zaoua plays out like a film exercise that goes nowhere Rated: D Mar 13, 2003 Full Review William Arnold Seattle Post-Intelligencer Director Nabil Ayouch balances the pessimism with gorgeous wide-screen photography, a wistfully hopeful conclusion and a succession of gracefully animated sequences designed to show his characters' more gentle inner worlds. Rated: B- Aug 1, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Children who live on the streets of Morocco attempt to give one of their friends a funeral fit for royalty.
      Director
      Nabil Ayouch
      Screenwriter
      Nabil Ayouch, Nathalie Saugeon
      Distributor
      Paramount Pictures
      Production Co
      Paramount
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      French (Canada)
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Apr 16, 2003, Limited
      Release Date (DVD)
      Apr 5, 2005
      Runtime
      1h 35m