Philippe Lioret’s film Welcome, which came out last year, has finally been issued on DVD. It’s one of those moody films that the French are known for; perfect for a rainy afternoon with a glass of red wine. It takes place in the northern coastal town of Sangatte, whose name is now synonymous with an Afghani refugee camp that there until riots and international notoriety shut it down in 2002. The emotionally complex plot involves two men trying to reconnect with their beloved. Bilal, a 20something refugee whose girlfriend lives in England, seeks training from 50-something Simon, a swim coach whose wife left him. Since it is illegal to aid refugees beyond ladling soup in a camp, Simon faces increasing peril every time he offer Bilal a meal, a place to say, a lesson. As the film unfolds, you question Simon’s motives: is he simply attempting to win back the affection of his ex, who had dumped him, in part, because of his lack of commitment to helping the refugees? Does he believe Bilal, an average swimmer, can make it across the Channel to join his girlfriend before she is married off to a wealthy older man? Melancholy, but not melodramatic, Welcome tells the tale without preaching, and questions the motives and repercussions of generosity.