A Warmly Textured Family Drama & A Riveting Portrayal of Cultural Expression: A Review of “The Secret of the Grain” & “Sueur”

Matthew Hollie
9 min readJul 1, 2023

When I think of immigration, I think of my ancestors coming to America on board slave ships from Africa or most of my family from Europe, mostly from Ireland and Italy. In France, it’s a different story. People immigrating to the country from Algeria and Tunisia have strong cultural roots to those North African countries. The two films that strongly describe the cultural divide rings true to this very day.

“The Secret of the Grain” is a story of a French-Arab immigrant trying to live out his dream.

The 2007 film “The Secret of the Grain,” or it’s known in France “La graine et le mulet” (the grain and the mule), is an intricate exploration of family dynamics set against the backdrop of southern France’s immigrant community. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, the film revolves around Slimane Beiji, portaryed by Habib Boufares, a 60-year-old shipyard worker facing redundancy, and his enduring dream of converting a rickety old boat into a family-run couscous restaurant.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to create a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique set of challenges and desires. The narrative is driven by Slimane’s determination and struggle, but each family member adds a layer of depth and complexity that makes the story feel real and relatable.

The cinematography is subtle yet evocative, capturing the ebb and flow of life in the port city. The scenes at the family table are particularly noteworthy, brimming with life and energy that palpably portray the warm, chaotic, yet loving family ties.

Performances are raw and honest, particularly Hafsia Herzi’s stellar performance as Rym, Slimane’s daughter. Her portrayal of a young woman trying to bridge the gap between her father’s traditions and her own modern identity is captivating and heartfelt.

“The Secret of the Grain” is a slow-burning drama, taking its time to establish characters and relationships. While some may find the pacing slow, it allows the film to build a captivating emotional resonance, culminating in a tense, poignant finale.

In conclusion, “The Secret of the Grain” is a fascinating study of family, resilience, and cultural identity. It is a film of universal appeal, painting a vibrant picture of life’s struggles and triumphs, embodied in one man’s dream. It is a testament to Kechiche’s filmmaking prowess and a worthwhile addition to the world of cinematic realism.

Hafsia Herzi, the film’s breakout star, earned lots of acclaim for her role as Rym.

Hafsia Herzi’s performance in “The Secret of the Grain” is remarkable and has earned her widespread recognition, including the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actress at the 64th Venice International Film Festival.

Playing the role of Rym, Slimane’s daughter, Herzi brings an energetic and dynamic presence to the film. She embodies her character with a blend of youthful vitality and mature wisdom, portraying a woman caught between traditional values and the desire for modern life.

Her performance is particularly noteworthy for its rawness and authenticity. She perfectly captures Rym’s determination to help her father realize his dream, even when it means standing up against family norms and expectations. Herzi’s depiction of Rym’s emotional journey, from enthusiastic support to resolute defiance, is both believable and moving.

Moreover, Herzi’s performance in the climactic belly-dancing scene is powerful and unforgettable. It encapsulates the film’s themes of hope, struggle, and cultural identity, with Rym using the dance to express her emotions and assert her autonomy.

In essence, Hafsia Herzi’s performance in “The Secret of the Grain” is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress. Her portrayal of Rym is not only compelling but adds a layer of depth and complexity to the film’s narrative.

If “The Secret of the Grain” serves as a purpose for family life, “Sueur” serves a purpose of the art of belly dance and North African culture.

“Sueur” showcases Rym’s performance in the 45 minute short film.

“Sueur,” or “Sweat” in English, also directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, is an extended short film that primarily focuses on Hafsia Herzi’s riveting belly dance sequence from “The Secret of the Grain.” This short film offers a more in-depth exploration of this climactic scene, providing the audience with a closer look at Rym’s emotional journey and cultural expression.

Herzi’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal in “Sueur.” She carries the entire film with her mesmerizing dance, which is not just a spectacle of physical grace but also a powerful emotional expression. Herzi’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her dance — desperation, determination, defiance, and hope — is truly commendable.

The film’s direction and cinematography beautifully complement Herzi’s performance. The close-up shots capture every minute detail of her expressions and movements, drawing the audience into Rym’s world. The editing is also praiseworthy, effectively building tension and anticipation throughout the dance sequence.

Although “Sueur” has minimal dialogue, it doesn’t hinder its ability to tell a compelling story. The dance itself becomes a language, speaking volumes about Rym’s struggle and her desire to help her father achieve his dream. The film effectively uses music and sound to enhance the narrative, with the rhythm of the drums mirroring Rym’s heartbeat and the escalating tension.

In conclusion, “Sueur” is a captivating short film that further highlights Hafsia Herzi’s extraordinary talent. It’s a testament to the power of non-verbal storytelling and a unique exploration of cultural expression. Despite its short runtime, it leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-watch for fans of “The Secret of the Grain” and world cinema.

“Sueur” and “The Secret of the Grain” are related yet distinct cinematic pieces. “The Secret of the Grain” is a full-length feature film that presents a nuanced narrative about family dynamics, cultural identity, and personal dreams within an immigrant community in France. Hafsia Herzi’s character, Rym, is a crucial part of this larger narrative, but the film explores many other characters and subplots.

On the other hand, “Sueur” is a short film that focuses solely on one particular scene from “The Secret of the Grain”: the climactic belly dance performed by Rym. By expanding this sequence into a short film, “Sueur” delves deeper into the nuances of this moment, offering a more concentrated exploration of Rym’s emotional journey and her expression of cultural identity through dance.

While “The Secret of the Grain” provides a broader perspective on the lives and struggles of Slimane Beiji and his family, “Sueur” narrows the spotlight to one pivotal moment, allowing for a more intense and intimate viewing experience. Although both films feature the same character and scene, the different formats and focuses offer unique perspectives on the narrative and its themes.

Hafsia Herzi’s performance in both “The Secret of the Grain” and “Sueur” indeed showcases her versatility as an actress, even more so considering these were her debut roles.

In “The Secret of the Grain,” she demonstrated a broad range of acting skills, from delivering dialogue convincingly to portraying a complex emotional arc. She perfectly embodied Rym, a young woman navigating between her father’s traditional world and her own more modern one.

The climactic belly dance scene, which is the primary focus of “Sueur,” allowed Herzi to explore a different aspect of her performance abilities. Through the dance, she was able to convey a wide spectrum of emotions without relying on dialogue, proving her prowess in non-verbal storytelling. Her ability to command attention and convey a narrative through her dance is indicative of a versatile performer.

These performances not only earned Herzi critical acclaim but also established her as an actress capable of delivering nuanced and compelling performances, setting the stage for a promising acting career.

Hafsia Herzi makes the belly dance scene work in “The Secret of the Grain” and “Sueur” through a combination of physical grace, emotional transparency, and performance intensity.

1. Physical Grace: Herzi’s dance is not simply a display of rhythmic movements but a form of storytelling. She uses her body language and movements to reflect her character’s inner feelings, from the fluidity of her motions to the intensity of her expressions.

2. Emotional Transparency: Herzi excellently conveys a range of emotions through her performance, from determination and defiance to vulnerability and hope. Despite the absence of dialogue, her expressions and body language speak volumes about her character’s emotional state and motivations.

3. Performance Intensity: She brings a high level of energy and intensity to the dance sequence, which not only captures the audience’s attention but also heightens the emotional stakes. Her energetic performance creates a palpable sense of urgency and desperation that resonates with the audience.

4. Cultural Authenticity: Herzi’s performance is also notable for its cultural authenticity. The belly dance, while a form of entertainment, is also a part of her character’s cultural identity. Herzi performs it with a sense of respect and understanding that adds depth to the scene.

5. Connection with the Audience: Herzi’s performance is so captivating and emotive that it establishes a strong connection with the audience. She draws the audience into her character’s world and makes them care about her struggles and hopes.

By blending all these elements, Hafsia Herzi turns the belly dance scene into a powerful narrative moment that stands out in both films.

Even adding 30 pounds to portray Rym, and had no prior experience belly dancing, Hafsia Herzi’s performance was met with positive acclaim.

It’s indeed impressive that Hafsia Herzi was able to deliver such a captivating belly dance performance in “The Secret of the Grain” and “Sueur,” especially considering she had no prior experience with the dance form. Herzi had never taken dancing lessons, but she took several different kinds to do that dance. In an interview with the New York Times; “All sorts of dance, oriental dance. And I had to gain 15 kilos because Abdel wanted me to be a plump girl who talks in this speedy sing-song southern way. The weight helped me.”

This achievement speaks volumes about her dedication and versatility as an actress. Preparing for a role that requires a specific skill set often involves intensive training and practice. Herzi likely underwent significant training in belly dancing, investing time to learn the movements, rhythms, and emotional expressions associated with the dance.

Herzi’s performance also underscores the importance of an actor’s ability to embody a character fully. Despite the dance being foreign to her, she was able to convincingly portray Rym, a character for whom the dance is a natural and integral part of her cultural identity.

Furthermore, Herzi’s accomplishment highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Directors, choreographers, and other members of the creative team would have worked closely with her, guiding and supporting her throughout the learning process.

In conclusion, Hafsia Herzi’s remarkable performance in both films is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the collaborative efforts of the filmmaking team.

“The Secret of the Grain” and its short film counterpart, “Sueur,” have left a profound impact on world cinema, particularly in the realm of social realism.

“The Secret of the Grain” is often hailed as an important work in French cinema, particularly for its nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience and family dynamics within the context of cultural transitions. The film earned several awards and nominations, including the César Awards for Best Film and Best Director, demonstrating its critical acclaim. It has also added to the ongoing conversations about representation and diversity in cinema, given its focus on a North African family in France.

Hafsia Herzi’s debut performance as Rym, particularly her belly dance scene, is a significant part of the film’s legacy. This scene, expanded in “Sueur,” has been praised for its emotional depth and narrative power, and it has become synonymous with the film itself. Herzi’s performance earned her the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actress at the Venice Film Festival, launching her acting career.

“Sueur” has contributed to the legacy by offering a deeper exploration of the belly dance scene. As a short film, it demonstrates the potential for cinematic storytelling even within a limited timeframe. It highlights the importance of nonverbal communication in film and the ability of a single scene or sequence to carry a potent narrative.

“The Secret of the Grain” and “Sueur” helped make Hafsia Herzi a rising star.

In summary, the legacy of “The Secret of the Grain” and “Sueur” lies in their exploration of cultural identity and family ties, their contribution to social realism in cinema, and their showcase of memorable performances, particularly from emerging talent Hafsia Herzi.

--

--

Matthew Hollie

Writer who is an Agree to Disagree kind of person. passionate New York sports fan.