Adanggaman

First off the women they kept referring to as Amazons (most likely for the benefit of those who are unfamiliar with African culture) are not Amazons, Amazons come from near the Amazon river. My guess is they needed some name to call them that others watching would understand, but they weren't Amazons. Okay, anyway, good movie that had me for the first hour or so, then suddenly shifted and wasn't very good. The end was good, but cut out about 20-30 minutes and end it there, it would have been practically the same. Anyway, if you can get your hands on it, you may as well watch it, it provides a refreshing change from American movies (not that I don't like them).

This West African production focuses on the slave trade in the late 17th century, and the complicity of many African tribes and tribal leaders with that trade. The story itself is not particularly riveting, but the cinematography is outstanding (though understandably dark during night time scenes) and the acting is fine. And I have to admit I've got a thing for the Amazon warriors who capture the slaves and march them to their fate.

The movie could have been better, but it's educational value is a ten. The women really were called Amazons. They were the Amazons of Dahomey and actually fought the french foreign legion in the early 1900's. Most were kidnapped or turned in to the king by fathers or husbands who were not satisfied with their behavior. They used machetes and guns provided by white foreigners. They were fierce warriors trained to serve the king and at one time were over 4000 strong. They were not allowed to marry or have children.

If you are Black, the movie is uncomfortable to watch. To imagine how your ancestors , in my case, made it to America and survived long enough to give me life.

This was a dark period in the history of civilization. When the old sage says the whip will reign for a long time, little did he know it would last for over 400 years, while the remnants of these actions continue to amplify even today.

This movie is a must watch in schools across the world. Slavery continues to exist in the world, and very little is being done to eradicate the practice.

Tells of inter-tribal conquest and slavery in West Africa. Ossei the main character has to run for his life after his village is ravaged. I like this movie a lot for the good performances by the main characters and excellent scenery/color/cinematography. The soundtrack of African music is wonderful and sublime. Most movies are too long for me; this was too short.

You've probably heard about the slave trade. However, a common misconception about it is that the European powers trafficked people because Africa was weak. Roger Gnoan M'Bala's "Adanggaman" makes clear that this was not the case. Plenty of the groups of people across the continent exerted considerable economic strength, to the point where the Europeans had to trade on the Africans' terms. Indeed, the slave trade wouldn't have been possible without the complicity of Africans.

Anyway, excellent movie. Both a look at the slave trade, as well as a focus on the lives of the Bambara.