A Prophet (French: Un prophète) is a 2009 French crime drama directed by Jacques Audiard. The film follows the story of Malik El Djebena, a young man of North African descent who is sentenced to six years in a French prison.
Plot Summary
Upon entering prison, Malik is illiterate and vulnerable, quickly becoming a target for bullying by other inmates. He is coerced into committing murder by César Luciani, the Corsican mafia boss who runs the prison from within its walls. This act of violence marks the beginning of Malik’s transformation.
As he navigates the brutal realities of prison life, Malik learns to read and write, gaining knowledge that helps him survive and thrive in this hostile environment. He gradually earns the trust of Luciani and begins to build his own network among the prisoners, particularly within the Muslim community.
Malik’s rise to power involves orchestrating drug deals and navigating complex relationships with various crime factions. Throughout his journey, he experiences visions of Reyeb, a victim he murdered on Luciani’s orders, which guide him in his decisions and strategies.
By the time Malik is released from prison, he has transformed from an inexperienced youth into a formidable crime lord with significant influence over both the Corsican and Maghrebi gangs. The film concludes with Malik stepping into his new role as a powerful figure in the criminal underworld.
Themes
The film explores themes of identity, survival, loyalty, and betrayal within the confines of a corrupt system. It presents a gritty portrayal of life behind bars while also delving into social issues related to race and class in contemporary France.
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