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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Euzhan Palcy (writer)
Joseph Zobel (novel)
Release Date:
21 September 1983 (France) more
Plot:
Martinique, in the early 1930s. Young José and his grandmother live in a small village. Nearly everyone works cutting cane and barely earning a living... more | add synopsis
Awards:
3 wins more
User Comments:
Touching Insight more (5 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast)
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Black Shack Alley
Sugar Cane Alley
more
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
103 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Fujicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:L | Australia:G | Sweden:Btl | Switzerland:9 (canton of the Grisons) | UK:PG | USA:PG | West Germany:6
Filming Locations:
Fort de France, Martinique, Départements d'Outre-Mer, France
Company:
Fun Stuff
Movie Connections:
References Coeur de Paris (1931) more
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The historical outlook on the era of slavery depicted through films often has a direct, nationalistic approach or feel within dialogue, characters and even choice of director, actors or country of production/distribution. Euzhan Palcy's 1983 film Rue Cases Nègres is an example of a motion picture that directs away from the cliché historic tales. Based in early 19th century Martinique, the island once infamously filled with traded African labourers working for little to no wages in the high fields of the sugar canes, brings out the tale of a young orphaned boy and his personal struggle with daily life as well as the stories of assorted characters around him.
As young Jose lives in the small shack-housing area near the cane fields with his working Grandmother Adamantine, their dream of a promising future through education for the boy becomes more and more of a reality. The immediately noticed feature within the film was apparent right at the beginning, where viewers will notice the narration and point of view incorporated from the young José. In contrast to higher-authoritative figure portrayals within other films where protagonists range from military or government dignitary, this genuine depiction gains a chaste, warmer feel of the overall film. This also shines the film in a different light; the often bloody, technicalities of infamous past era overlook and a usually dismissed angle of that particular era or situation. Not to say that this adaptation of a crucial era in history is depicted as childish, naïve or unrealistic; the world is much simpler seen through the eyes of a different character, which might be the cause of even more sympathy for the viewers. Of course as every historical film's undertone establishes, the effects and situations of José and Adamantine's physically demanding life is apparent and personal insight to both their lives allows the viewers emotions side with the struggling family. The acting of most characters was significantly believable and played the part of the roles given. Because all dialogue was in Palcy's native French, there were vast differences in the film and that of Hollywood or English-language films. This varied from the English transliterations to acting methods. Nonetheless, each character seems to fit perfectly into the place of the film, drawing towards some sort of symbolism or representing a larger picture. The view of children as symbolism of innocence is very common throughout film and literature and also a quite evident theme throughout the movie. The early scenes showing José playing with the local children, even showing their quest to find food and ironically Adamantine's hidden sugar shows the innocence of unbeknownst youth; their condemnation to a life lived by the parents is masked by their pure freedom within their own space.
Directing by the then Euzhan Palcy is quite impressive, as I often compared many of the wide shots and angling to that of Martin Scorsese. Although the lightening was dim and at time faces could not be seen entirely, this once again adds more of a realistic approach to the film which allows viewers to see the Caribbean island's beauty naturally without unnecessary studio lightening or editing. A pivotal scene and character within the film was that of old man Medouze, the senior worker José befriends and undoubtedly respects; the relationship can be seen to be something like father and son where Medouze advises José and tells him stories of the past. The reference to Africa where the old man tells José he will return to was genuinely moving. The symbolism of ancestral meaning, and a having that sense of home was encompassed in Medouze's longing to go to Africa. Moreover, his statement addressing his return to Africa once he leaves this place and telling an eager José that he can not come along adds on to the significance of the importance of familial lineage.
Although most to all characters played an important role in José's life and story, many had a story themselves that was unfortunately not unfolded. An example would be the life of old Adamantine; her struggles and upbringing of her grandson were most appreciated and in the end, we all felt great empathy for the old woman. Leopold, a fellow student of José, also had an interesting life where he is seen as the by-product of an assumed native Martinique woman and a wealthy French man. His interaction with José is innocent, yet there is more beyond and within his home life. Once again, the ending for Leopold evoked mixed emotions.
Overall, the film Rue Cases Nègres sets the bar high, placing it amongst the more original, heart-warming glimpses into the world of early 19th century, colonized Caribbean. José establishes to be an intriguing individual, filled with intelligence and humour that keeps the audience latched on to his next move. Mixed in with slight humour, and full with rich heritage and valued traditions, Rue Cases Nègres is an emotional, unique look into a notorious era of European, Caribbean and inevitably, World history.