Fathers and children. Perfect. Another film about growing up, about the turning age, about the problem of “fathers and children”, shot in the genre of melodrama, a little ironic, very musical and moderately dramatic. Pictures like “Rebel” were released at all times and in all countries a huge number and from others it differs only in that it was shot in Haiti. This is where her originality ends. Since there are no references to the local color, the peculiarities of Creole culture, social problems, etc. in the work of Sasha Parisot. A similar story could happen and has happened countless times in life and on screen in the US, Russia, Europe, Africa – anywhere. A single father, suddenly finding a new love and just celebrating the coming of age daughter, taking her stepmother in bayonets, while committing insane acts only to show his disobedience, say “Fe!” to an unjust world and preserve the memory of the deceased mother.
Carl Dubois, a successful middle-aged businessman, in search of a gift for his daughter, Lorraine drives into a car salon, where he looks after a cute little jeep. But it turns out to be struck by the beauty and charm of the manager Elizabeth so much that there is no car. As a result, along with the expected gift, the girl receives another one – a new mother. Next – shock, tears, slamming the door, running away from home, a suspicious company, an infidel guy, soft drugs, hard drugs, the death of a friend from an overdose, an understanding and sympathetic stepmother, a loving and difficult father, peace, friendship, gum, fanfare ...
And a lot, a lot of music, giving well-known in many films (and in everyday stories) the action of ease and confidence that despite all the worldly adversity – everything will be fine. The music is good and... different. From R’n’B to Caribbean tunes, from chanson to jazz. Perhaps, if anything distinguishes "Rebel" from other similar films, it is the music. It seems that without it can not do any frame, even those that are devoted to episodes of routine meetings or business negotiations of adult characters of the film.
And in the picture of Sasha Pariso there are no negative heroes at all. Even the “treasoner is insidious”, Lorraine’s boyfriend – he is just a shabby who burns his life until it warms him to the top. In fact, the same is Lorraine, who for the time being sees in life only what corresponds to her plans and ideas. He does not want to see things that do not fit into his worldview. Did Dad do his own thing? How brave he is, traitor! Sex, drugs, R’n’B – in this rhythm lives the whole environment of the girl, without thinking about tomorrow. And only when a butt on the head - the death of the closest friend from the potion, bought on occasion in the nearest corner, there is a revaluation of values. The main thing is that there is someone who will help and support. And in the "Rebel" there is a cart and a small cart. Starting with a mother coming in a dream and ending with a doctor falling in love with a beautiful Lorraine.
It's a pity it doesn't happen in life. Well, Monsieur Parisot’s film was not realistic, but idealistic. Even with all the vitality and routine of the story told. The movie is about how it should be, not how it usually is. The fact that at the same time the film remained convincing and made you look to the very end with unrelenting interest is the undoubted merit of the director, music editor and exotic beauty Natalie Ambroise, playing Lorrain. It’s hard to tell which Haitian actress is going to be, but she’s certainly a pretty girl. And for youth cinema, it’s just an ideal!