Royal Bonbon (2002) User Reviews

Beautiful and (so far) unique

[J Conn · 7/10 · 18 August 2003]

According to the director, this is the first feature length film shot entirely in Haiti and by suffering the tough conditions, electricity shortages (and no electricity at all at one key location) and a cast of first-time actors, he has produced something quite beautiful.

A story of a crazed man who imagines himself to be the reincarnation of King Christoph (the first "king" of Haiti, a former slave who headed the world's first ever black republic after the world's only successful slave revolt), it stands as an allegory of the island's own history of heroic glory followed by dismal poverty.

Short but very sweet, it is worth watching alone for the colourful imaginary, which the island, its people, its culture and Voodoo religion, bring.

Sublime vision and account of King Christophe of Haiti.

[anassar · 10/10 · 3 April 2004]

Using a deranged man as a vehicle for revisiting King Christophe reign is quite innovative. The director actually was inspired by a real crazy man in a market in Cap-Haitian, which is nicely featured in the film. The colors are very nice and subtle. And what about the use of real peasants! That is a very nice touch. They actually performed remarkably well, considering that it was their first contact with such medium. The main protagonist also acted very nicely. Highly recommended feature film. It is good to see a film entirely filmed on Haitian soil. It is a real classic in terms of film-making and hope that Najman make other features of such quality.

Cannot wait for the DVD to come out, maybe in July-August.