Yssouf moves from North Africa to Campania in South Italy looking for work. The lives of African immigrants there are worse than expected and his uncle, once an artist, has become a midlevel boss of a narcotics ring. A conflict with a local camora results in death of innocent immigrants and Yssouf no longer hesitates to step into the world of gangsters. Based on a true story, the film speaks of bleak reality of North African illegal immigrants in Italy. This year’s most controversial issue in Italy is illegal immigration and this freshman director shows it in a unique way better than any other experienced directors, by strictly keeping to the immigrants’ desperate point of view in dealing with their dark situation. Lombardi’s decision to suggest various perspectives on the immigration issue through the protagonist’s view helps to heighten the sense of conflict that he experiences. The film creates both a remarkable contrast and a kind of harmony between the poetic theme music and scenery, and the intense rhythm of the dark side of the street. This year’s most promising director has made a fine debut. (RHEE, Soue-won)