Free Men (2011)

In the tumultuous year of 1942, the city of Paris finds itself in the iron grip of Nazi occupation. Amidst the chaos and despair, the story of Younes Ben Daoud, an Algerian immigrant, unfolds. Once a factory worker, Younes now navigates the treacherous waters of the city's black market in an effort to make ends meet. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is apprehended by the immigration police, who strike a deal with him; his freedom for information about the activities at the local mosque, notably those surrounding its enigmatic head, Si Kaddour Ben Ghabrit. Younes plunges into the role of a reluctant informant, keeping a close eye on the mosque's frequenters, especially on Salim Halali, an Algerian national celebrated for his melodious North African music. As Younes finds his life increasingly intertwined with the mosque, he uncovers hints of secrets and resistance. Ghabrit is not just a religious leader; he may be providing sanctuary and false papers to Jews, defying the Nazi regime at great personal risk. As Younes continues his delicate dance between informant and sympathizer, he finds himself drawn into a friendship with Salim and discovers the singer's dual secret; he is both Jewish and homosexual. Moreover, Younes' attraction to a young woman named Leila at the mosque adds another layer to his complex situation. The more Younes witnesses the atrocities committed by the Nazis, the more conflicted he becomes. His role as an informant clashes with his growing awareness of the plight of his fellow North Africans and the oppressed Jewish community. Caught between his desire to protect his own welfare and the growing need to aid the resistance, Younes must make a difficult decision. Will he continue to play the part of the informant, or will he risk everything to aid those around him? "Free Men" is a tale of struggle and heart in a world dominated by fear, a story of an ordinary man caught in the extraordinary circumstances of war, forced to choose between survival and doing what is right.

Free Men is a drama movie featuring Tahar Rahim and directed by Ismaël Ferroukhi.

Free Men is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Cineverse, Freevee, Kanopy, Plex, Plex Player and Tubi TV and it's also available on Film Movement Plus.

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