You are here:

Les Sandales blanches

Name: Les Sandales blanches
Director: Christian Faure
Released: 2021
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

9.0/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Christian Faure

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Les Sandales blanches is a character-driven drama that prioritizes the lived experience of an Algerian immigrant in France. By focusing on Malika's journey from a childhood accident to becoming a renowned singer, the film delves into deep-seated systemic issues. The film excels in its portrayal of racial and cultural complexity, particularly the intersection between Muslim identity and Catholic institutions. It avoids a singular perspective by highlighting the tension between the protagonist's Muslim roots and her exposure to Catholic influences. While the film lacks queer narratives and provides a more neutral stance on LGBTQ+ representation, its focus on a resilient female protagonist and the immigrant struggle offers a solid foundation for social commentary.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Les Sandales blanches have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships. The story focuses on ethnic and religious diversity.

How does Les Sandales blanches portray gender?

Good

Malika is a strong female protagonist who pursues professional success despite systemic barriers. Her journey emphasizes personal resilience and ability to act over patriarchal influence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Les Sandales blanches?

Excellent

The film centers the Algerian immigrant experience, challenging Eurocentric norms in period dramas. Characters of color play key roles in driving the plot within the French social context.

How does Les Sandales blanches represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story examines the tension between Muslim identity and Catholic institutional influence. It critiques societal prejudices found in both French society and the protagonist's community.

Does Les Sandales blanches include disability representation?

Good

The plot revolves around physical trauma and long-term medical challenges following a childhood accident. It highlights the resilience needed to overcome physical adversity.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on the Algerian immigrant experience within a French historical setting.
actively leading female protagonist who overcomes systemic and personal obstacles.
Nuanced exploration of the intersection between Muslim identity and Catholic institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lack of visible LGBTQ+ representation or non-straight relationships.
Disability is primarily portrayed through the lens of suffering and medical struggle.

Official Synopsis

It all begins in the early 60s, in a slum just outside Paris inhabited by Algerian immigrants. Malika is 5, and her mum has just bought her a brand-new pair of sandals. They're so white that the little girl can't keep her eyes off them, and doesn't see the reversing truck. Then begin years of hospital, operations, suffering and struggle. Years far from her family, during which the little Muslim girl, in the hands of Catholic nurses and nuns, discovers music and singing at mass. From that point on, fighting the racism of French society as well as the enduring prejudices of her own community, Malika follows her dream and moves mountains to become the woman everyone will one day call "the diva of the ghetto".

How are these scores produced? →