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Poster for Lila Says

Lila Says

2005 · 1h 29m · R Crime, Drama, Romance
Directed by Ziad Doueiri

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Overview

Based on a controversial French novel, Lila Says tells the story of a quiet young poet named Chimo who develops a crush on the pretty, blond Lila, a girl who recently moved into his Arab ghetto with her aunt. When the leader of a rival gang also falls for Lila, the ensuing love triangle initiates a journey of sexual discovery -- and sets off a chain of devastating events.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
68%
Tomatometer
Fresh

As sweet as it is dirty.

Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
Rotten

Though beautifully photographed, there's something creepy at the heart of Lila Says.

Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
Fresh

Mostly succeeds in conveying the real- life risks that disgruntled teens will take to prove they're more powerful, more sexy and more in control than they really are.

Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle
Rotten

In the end, Lila Says is far less interesting than its premise, primarily because we never know what anyone is really thinking.

Jessica Reaves, Chicago Tribune
Rotten

An underdeveloped exercise in carnal awakening that thinks its characters are far more special than they ever prove to be.

Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

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