Monsieur Ibrahim
A lonely Jewish teenager finds affection, spiritual wisdom, and a sense of belonging through his friendship with a Turkish Muslim grocer in 1960s Paris.
Overview
A poignant tale of friendship and understanding across cultural divides in the heart of Paris.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- tender
- wistful
- gentle
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a tender, humanist coming-of-age drama elevated by Omar Sharif's warmth and its interfaith themes.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Monsieur Ibrahim provides Momo with paternal affection, guidance, and emotional security absent from his home.
A Muslim Turkish shopkeeper and a Jewish Parisian teenager form the film's central bond.
Ibrahim teaches Momo lessons drawn from the Qur'an and Sufi-inflected wisdom while modeling tenderness.
The story unfolds around a poor Paris neighborhood and Ibrahim's small market on Blue Street.
Films like Monsieur Ibrahim, and why
The Intouchables
coming of age drama centered on an intergenerational bond, cultural difference, and spiritual guidance
The Visitor
warm cross-cultural relationship drama balancing gentle humor with emotional uplift
The 400 Blows
poignant youth-centered drama about friendship, mentorship, and social marginalization
The Chorus
humanist French drama combining family conflict, tenderness, and moral growth
Movie Details
- Director
- François Dupeyron
- Release Date
- 2003-09-17
- Runtime
- 91 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (172)
Cast
- Omar Sharif
- Pierre Boulanger
- Gilbert Melki
- Isabelle Renauld
- Lola Naymark
- Anne Suarez
- Mata Gabin
- Céline Samie
- Isabelle Adjani
- Guillaume Gallienne
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Monsieur Ibrahim about?
- A lonely Jewish teenager finds affection, spiritual wisdom, and a sense of belonging through his friendship with a Turkish Muslim grocer in 1960s Paris.
- What is Monsieur Ibrahim like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Monsieur Ibrahim as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Monsieur Ibrahim violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Monsieur Ibrahim.
- What did critics think of Monsieur Ibrahim?
- Critics broadly found the film a tender, humanist coming-of-age drama elevated by Omar Sharif's warmth and its interfaith themes.
- Which films are like Monsieur Ibrahim?
- Films with a similar feel include The Intouchables, The Visitor, The 400 Blows, and The Chorus.
- How long is Monsieur Ibrahim?
- Monsieur Ibrahim runs 91 minutes.
- Where can I watch Monsieur Ibrahim?
- In United States, Monsieur Ibrahim is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
