The heartbreaking drama of a young officer who died for a dream of integration. A poignant story by Rachid Hami, between intimate pain and political reflection on contemporary France.
A moving film inspired by a true story
This Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 9:10 PM, France 2 is broadcasting the film For France. Directed by Rachid Hami, this feature film delves into an intimate and political drama, inspired by an incident that occurred at the military school of Saint-Cyr. In October 2012, Jallal Hami, the director’s brother, lost his life during a hazing. This powerful story questions honor, integration, and collective memory.
Thus, the film explores the tragic death of Aïssa, a young officer of Algerian origin, during a nighttime integration ritual. His brother Ismaël, played with finesse by Karim Leklou, seeks justice. However, the army is slow to take responsibility. This painful silence also reveals the difficult integration of immigrant families in France.
Hazing at Saint-Cyr: a deadly tradition
It all begins on the freezing night of October 29, 2012. Second-year students organize a reenactment of the Provence landing. The newcomers must cross a pond at 9 degrees in military attire. Several participants find themselves trapped. Thus, Jallal Hami disappears in the confusion.
His body is found lifeless the next morning. This drama sheds light on the hidden violence of military hazing. Despite criticism, these rituals persist in major French schools.
A trial, a judicial disappointment
The death of Jallal Hami leads to a long-awaited trial. Three soldiers are given suspended sentences, and four others are acquitted. For the family, it’s an additional affront. Thus, Rachid Hami publicly expresses his disappointment: “I thank you for betraying my brother. You have disappointed me and you have disappointed our justice.”
The film soberly denounces the treatment of an Arab-origin soldier who died "for France." It questions with dignity the difficulty of institutions in acknowledging their mistakes.
Brotherhood, identity, and integration: central themes of the film
For France goes beyond a mere news story. Brotherhood occupies a central place. The character of Ismaël, portrayed with strength by Karim Leklou, shows the complexity of family ties. The screenplay, co-written by Ollivier Pourriol, alternates between an Algerian childhood marked by civil war and reunions in Taiwan before the tragedy.
Moreover, the film questions the difficult place of immigrant families in French society. It shows a France sometimes reluctant to fully accept its minorities.
Rachid Hami: a committed director
Rachid Hami establishes himself as a discreet yet powerful director in contemporary French cinema. His previous film, The Melody, released in 2017, already addressed themes of education, integration, and living together. In For France, he continues to explore the quest for identity. Moreover, his sober and controlled style characterizes his filmography.
Cast of For France: a solid lineup
The film’s cast is remarkable. Karim Leklou portrays a grieving brother with emotion. Alongside him, Shaïn Boumedine, known from Mektoub, My Love, embodies the deceased officer. They are joined by Lubna Azabal, an intense and charismatic actress, Samir Guesmi, known for deep roles, Laurent Lafitte, famous for his striking presence at the Comédie-Française, as well as Vivian Sung and Slimane Dazi. The strength of this cast greatly contributes to the film’s emotional impact.
A tribute, not a settling of scores
In a very personal note of intent, Rachid Hami clarifies that his film is not a judicial investigation, but a sensitive exploration of life. It is primarily a tribute to a brother tragically lost. The director states: “The work of cinema is not that of justice. This film is not an investigation into death, but into life.”
Thus, the film avoids miserabilism, preferring introspection and sincere emotion to direct accusations.
A work praised for its sobriety and dignity
Critics highlight the director’s restraint and the emotional power of the story. Many observers note the refusal of sensationalism and the nuanced approach to the subject.
For cinema specialists, For France is an essential work. It deals with honor, memory, and brotherhood. The film becomes a point of reflection on justice and integration in contemporary society.
The film, a tool for memory and reflection
For France offers a reflection on military traditions and collective memory. The film invites us to rethink the complex relationships between French society and its minorities. It reminds us that each individual story feeds our common memory.
The power of cinema for memory
For France is not just a film about military hazing. It is a universal story, a tribute to human dignity and brotherhood. By giving a voice to grieving families, it questions our relationship with identity and justice. This drama encourages us to remember the fragility of life. It emphasizes the necessary respect for everyone, regardless of their origins.