"Monsieur Ibrahim" is an effective but flawed drama about the unlikely friendship that develops between a French boy and an immigrant shopkeeper. The story is set in France in the 1960’s, but the film’s message is timeless and universal.

The film shows how love can defy ethnic divisions because the shopkeeper is a Muslim and the child is a Jew. However, the repetition of the song "Why Can’t We Love Together" is overkill, and it almost tilts the film fatally towards camp.

"Monsieur Ibrahim" is somewhat formulaic but the formula unravels in a charming and delightful manner, and the performances are impressive.

In some ways the film parallels the recent "Butterfly" which was about a neglected girl who is befriended by a reclusive butterfly collector. But the undisputed classic in the elder/youngster-bonding genre is probably "Cinema Paradiso."

Sharif stars as Ibrahim, a big-hearted shop keeper. Ibraham notices that a young boy named Momo is stealing food from the shop.

The boy steals so he can save the money his dad gives him for groceries in order to lose his virginity. He eventually does buy time with the local prostitute, Sylvie. Of course, she turns out to be a typical hooker with a heart of gold.

Ibrabim learns that the boy’s family situation is troubled. His mom abandoned him, he never met his absent brother, and his dad is distant and suffers from depression.

Eventually the father vanishes and Ibrahim becomes a surrogate dad. The two of them end up traveling to Turkey and see many wondrous sights.

But eventually tragedy rears its ugly head and the film has a melancholy, nostalgic ending.

"Monsieur Ibrahim" is not particularly original or daring, but it succeeds in pulling at the heartstrings.