Mandabi (1968)

A money order from a relative in Paris throws the life of a Senegalese family man out of order. He deals with corruption, greed, problematic family members, the locals and the changing from... See full summary »

Director:

Ousmane Sembene

Writer:

Ousmane Sembene

Stars:

Makhouredia Gueye, Ynousse N'Diaye, Isseu Niang

Cast

Credited cast:
Makhouredia Gueye	...	Ibrahim Dieng
Ynousse N'Diaye	...	1st Wife
Isseu Niang	...	2nd Wife
Serigne N'Diayes	...	Imam
Serigne Sow	...	Maissa
Mustapha Ture	...	Shop Keeper
Farba Sarr	...	Businessman
Moudoun Faye	...	Mailman
Mouss Diouf	...	Nephew
Christoph Colomb	...	Water Seller
Thérèse Bas	...	Dieng's Sister
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mamadou Cisoko

Storyline

A money order from a relative in Paris throws the life of a Senegalese family man out of order. He deals with corruption, greed, problematic family members, the locals and the changing from his traditional way of living to a more modern one.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

France Senegal

Language:

French Wolof

Release Date:

26 March 1970 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Money Order

Company Credits

Production Co:

Comptoir Français du Film Production (CFFP), Filmi Domirev

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 105 min (Wolof)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

User Reviews

Excellent

This is partially a response to the above review by Irene Schneider. Mandabi is the second feature length film of Senegalese born director Usmán Sembén. he was also a well respected writer and The Money Order (English translation) is an adaptation of his own book. Capturing the corruption eminent in post colonial Africa by following a proud man who tries to cash a money order sent by a relative working in Paris, France. This newly arrived money turns all those around him, including the lead character into to be kindly a pack of wolves, determined to pick him for all he's got. Except he hasn't even cashed the money order yet. Slow and observant with a charming rhythmic score that engulfs the viewer, it watches a society slowly eating itself because of poverty and selfishness and no one is spared in Usmán Sembén's lament against greed and avarice. A beautifully recapped montage saves what might have been a slightly didactic if not hopeful ending. To note, as opposed to the above comment, there is nothing simple about the movie and it is as prescient today as back then and is no history lesson. To be enjoyed by all those who enjoy the movies of Satyajit Ray because the film making style is very similar to his. ** Use of Usmán Sembén as opposed to Ousmane Sembene is because the director is credited as that in the movie and it seems to be the correct rendition of the name.