I have just returned from an excellent film, Le Grand Voyage. Filmed from France to Saudi Arabia, this understatedly powerful tale is of a young man and his grandfather’s Hajj. The grandson, born and raised in France, associates more with Western culture than his Islamic roots; the grandfather is more traditional and seeks to make this pilgrimage before his death. Thus the two embark, as an unlikely duo, on a road trip spanning not just continents but generations. Much of the time the two do not speak, and when they do, it is often prosaic. However, as with any road trip themed film, they are faced with moments of challenge, both physical and emotional, while all the while there is just the right amount of comedy. Although the young man and the grandfather both believe that they are in control, the reality of the film is that each is dependent on the other, though in different ways. The changing landscape throughout the film leads to some dream-like sequences which are haunting for their prescience. Highly recommended.