Unpredictable Nature of the River (1996)
"Les caprices d'un fleuve" (original title)

In 1785, Jean-Franois de la Plaine is appointed by the King governor in West Africa, in a period when slavery was the rule.

Director:

Bernard Giraudeau

Writer:

Bernard Giraudeau

Stars:

Bernard Giraudeau, Richard Bohringer, Thierry Frémont

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bernard Giraudeau	...	Jean-François de La Plaine
Richard Bohringer	...	Le commandant de Blanet
Thierry Frémont	...	Pierre Combaud
Roland Blanche	...	Monsieur Denis
Raoul Billerey	...	L'abbé Fleuriau
Aissatou Sow	...	Amélie
France Zobda	...	Anne Brisseau
Olivier Achard	...	Monsieur de Kermadec
Vincent de Bouard	...	Le Chevalier de Marcera (as Vincent Debouard)
Frédéric Lorber	...	Le chirurgien major
Christian Rauth	...	Le capitaine français
Smaïl Mekki	...	Le maître des langues
Moussa Touré	...	Hannibal
Denis Laustriat	...	La voix du fils (voice)
Anna Galiena	...	Louise de Saint-Agnan

Storyline

In 1785, Jean-Franois de la Plaine is appointed by the King governor in West Africa, in a period when slavery was the rule.

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Genres:

Adventure

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

3 April 1996 (France)

Also Known As:

Unpredictable Nature of the River

Filming Locations:

France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canal+, Flach Film, Les Films de la Saga

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Samayon"
Performed by Cathy Renoir

User Reviews

dare the beauty of the dark continent !

This story tells of the encounter of many Europeans with the 'Black Continent' in the late 19th Century, and of lessons drawn from this. Much came as a consequence of this encounter between both cultures; quite often children were left behind and the traces of an oppressive invading force left as a souvenir, the indisputable effect of the Whiteman's coming is that of deeply transformed society.

A rare contrast as compared to the often one-sided pictures on the early European arrival on Africa, this story describes the unfinished love story between the 'Old Continent' and the 'Black Continent'. What emerges is a race haunted by quite eternally unanswered questions on the choice of Europe or Africa as home, or on the colour of love.

A brilliant cast, with Bernard Giraudeau and Richard Bohringer.

The art work is quite an impressive; a beautiful capture of the local folklore and its reaction to European invasion.