Qui vive

Reda Kateb gives an endearing performance as a security guard in a mall ,longing for better days; he does tell us so,he's not violent ,he's a sweet guy ; on the contrary violence comes to him in the shape of a pack of youngsters who ceasessly harasses him .

Cherif has to fight against a hostile world ,in which he has not found his place yet .But he has not given up hope and he is to take the competitive entry examination to become a nurse ; it's the fourth time he goes in for it , succeeding in the written tests ,but failing in the oral examination : it's an excellent scene ,with the actor displaying his lack of self-assurance .

Another reason to believe is his affair with a schoolteacher ; the little animated film -the cast and credits read it was made by the pupils of a class- is a good trick which shows Cherif's affection for children and the imaginary threat -which becomes real in the filmed real events .

It's obvious Chérif was not made for the occupation in the mall which he hates ;he's too gentle, too lenient .

When tragedy strikes and when most of his friends and girfriend turn their back to him ,he will have to summon up all his moral strength to carry on....