P R I N C E

Words Arielle Chambers

Prince, a modern-day tale of European teen romance, captivated my attention from the start.  The introductory scene provided an equal abundance of strangeness and humor.  During the (approximate) 90-minute film, seventeen year old, Ayoub, journeyed through trials of acceptance from his friends, enemies, and especially his love interest, Laura, and bared the burden of a dysfunctional family, his father a junkie and mother a lonely divorcee. Coping with these challenges in addition to dealing with internal anger and other outside negative influences, Ayoub overcame adversity and made a way for himself. 

Due to it’s European origin, Prince required subtitles.  However, the entertainment factor of the film overshadowed task of required reading.  Rural, rustic imagery helped the film’s authenticity; it was evident that things of the nature of Ayoub’s story could occur in the urban neighborhood in which Prince was set. Continuing to follow the credibility of a “rough” life, there are a few violent and graphic scenes scattered about in the film.  Drug use heavily influenced Prince.  Fighting and shooting were also present.  However, all were shown in a relevant manner. 

With perfect juxtaposition of eccentrics and tradition, this story of a teenage boy coming into his own and pursuing and fulfilling his goals, the film is certainly worth watching.   

A Film By Sam De Jong