This could have been a special film. Instead the author took the easy way out. By that I mean why take us through this relationship only to give up on it. There weren't any insurmountable problems two obviously intelligent people couldn't solve. Then have them settle for relationships neither wanted.
8 Reviews
A cautionary tale
christa-pelc24 August 2022
A cautionary tale to anyone who wants a real, lasting relationship. You choose if you want a real, lasting relationship with one person. You choose the person you want. This is one reason why you commit to someone & don't sleep with people before you commit. Make your choices wisely.
Ending??? Spoilers
parvoneh28 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I looked away for - no joke - 15 seconds - and it had ended. What happened? It seems to have not ended satisfactorily. What the heck? Is this supposed to be some sort of attempt at being realistic? I don't want realistic, I want happy. (Although, I can't say I even know how 1-2 of the storylines tied up. What happened?? I'm not kidding when I say it was 15 seconds.
So was the baby his?
Did they break up? What's up with that? Everyone lived miserably ever after? I am attempting to submit this and it's telling me that there need to be 600 characters. Well, other than what I've mentioned here, the movie was ok. Certainly not theatre-worthy, but it's worth checking out if you're not doing anything else. Although I'm unsure about the ending. So did they just part each other??
So was the baby his?
Did they break up? What's up with that? Everyone lived miserably ever after? I am attempting to submit this and it's telling me that there need to be 600 characters. Well, other than what I've mentioned here, the movie was ok. Certainly not theatre-worthy, but it's worth checking out if you're not doing anything else. Although I'm unsure about the ending. So did they just part each other??
Beautiful Film and Character Study
AntoineMDevine25 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This review contains numerous spoilers. I saw this movie at a film festival combined with other shorts, so I had no idea what to expect. I found the plot immediately engaging as the main characters were introduced, eventually meeting and developing a relationship. Ara is a gracefully confident, intelligent and loving person who is part of a supportive community of Muslim immigrants from Cameroon. Ben is also smart, but lackadaisical and unfocused about his dissertation. He admits at one point that he fears entering the real world and has made no concrete plans on how he would live post-college. He is the classic perpetual student with a Peter Pan complex.
While Ara represents stability while resisting pressure from her caring mother to marry within the community, Ben is disorganized and disheveled, content to meander through this stage of his life. His ambivalent participation in an open relationship, which likely stems from the loss of his father (although he was abusive) and being raised by his bohemian mother who became a lesbian, reveals him as person lacking a true sense of self. His classmate/girlfriend Gabrielle seems only interested in casual sex, and does not support or push him to complete his dissertation. At one point, she becomes annoyed at his newfound dedication to completing his work. Ara on the other hand supports Ben from the outset, gently nudging him to work out his issues, eventually using her "super powers" to provide him with the hook that makes his work on the subject of Calvinism ready for defense.
Beyond their complicated relationship, their exchanges concerning religion (Islam/Christianity) versus agnosticism are the most fascinating part of this film. Ara expresses no animosity regarding the Christian colonization of Cameroon, choosing to celebrate the retention of her people's Earth-based spiritual practices. Ben simply wonders what the point is in believing in a god whose existence cannot be proved. The last conversation they had over belief in something versus nothing before she returned to her community was one I was hoping to hear in Prometheus before Ridley Scott got cold feet and intentionally removed the discussion from the script, thereby avoiding what should have been a major aspect of that film.
Ben and Ara made a genuine though unsuccessful attempt to reconcile their beliefs. Ara's pregnancy caused her to finally realize that her experimentation with Ben was a mistake. She never told him about her pregnancy, resigning to have an abortion in secret before bowing to cultural tradition and marrying. Ben on the other hand, ended up swept along with circumstances created by his irresponsible lifestyle, resigned to moving and taking a job he does not want to be close to the baby he's about to have with Gabrielle, who has suddenly become responsible after sleeping with Ben and Manny, despite the latter's declaration of his love for her. Manny was also smart enough to wear a condom.
I had the pleasure of meeting Constance Ejuma after the film. I found her even more beautiful and graceful in person. I wish her well in her pursuit of a successful career in film. If Ben and Ara is any indication, she will be heard from.
While Ara represents stability while resisting pressure from her caring mother to marry within the community, Ben is disorganized and disheveled, content to meander through this stage of his life. His ambivalent participation in an open relationship, which likely stems from the loss of his father (although he was abusive) and being raised by his bohemian mother who became a lesbian, reveals him as person lacking a true sense of self. His classmate/girlfriend Gabrielle seems only interested in casual sex, and does not support or push him to complete his dissertation. At one point, she becomes annoyed at his newfound dedication to completing his work. Ara on the other hand supports Ben from the outset, gently nudging him to work out his issues, eventually using her "super powers" to provide him with the hook that makes his work on the subject of Calvinism ready for defense.
Beyond their complicated relationship, their exchanges concerning religion (Islam/Christianity) versus agnosticism are the most fascinating part of this film. Ara expresses no animosity regarding the Christian colonization of Cameroon, choosing to celebrate the retention of her people's Earth-based spiritual practices. Ben simply wonders what the point is in believing in a god whose existence cannot be proved. The last conversation they had over belief in something versus nothing before she returned to her community was one I was hoping to hear in Prometheus before Ridley Scott got cold feet and intentionally removed the discussion from the script, thereby avoiding what should have been a major aspect of that film.
Ben and Ara made a genuine though unsuccessful attempt to reconcile their beliefs. Ara's pregnancy caused her to finally realize that her experimentation with Ben was a mistake. She never told him about her pregnancy, resigning to have an abortion in secret before bowing to cultural tradition and marrying. Ben on the other hand, ended up swept along with circumstances created by his irresponsible lifestyle, resigned to moving and taking a job he does not want to be close to the baby he's about to have with Gabrielle, who has suddenly become responsible after sleeping with Ben and Manny, despite the latter's declaration of his love for her. Manny was also smart enough to wear a condom.
I had the pleasure of meeting Constance Ejuma after the film. I found her even more beautiful and graceful in person. I wish her well in her pursuit of a successful career in film. If Ben and Ara is any indication, she will be heard from.
Thumbs down
portcitynative11 June 2021
Outstanding film, and different than White Chicks
ryan-13451 March 2024
"Ben & Ara" and "White Chicks" stand at opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum, each representing a distinct genre and narrative approach. While both films explore aspects of identity and societal expectations, they do so in vastly different ways, offering unique perspectives on cultural dynamics.
**Narrative and Genre:** "Ben & Ara" is a romantic drama directed by Nnegest Likké, exploring the complexities of interracial relationships and cultural clashes. It delves into the personal journeys of its protagonists, Ben and Ara, with a focus on character-driven storytelling within a contemporary setting.
In contrast, "White Chicks," directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, falls under the comedy genre. The film follows FBI agents who go undercover as affluent socialites, navigating the challenges and absurdities of their transformed identities. "White Chicks" employs humor, satire, and exaggerated scenarios to entertain its audience.
**Themes:** "Ben & Ara" primarily addresses themes of interracial relationships, cultural identity, and societal expectations. It takes a serious and nuanced approach to these topics, provoking thought and reflection on the complexities of love and cultural clashes.
"White Chicks," on the other hand, uses satire and comedy to explore themes related to identity and societal expectations. The film exaggerates gender and racial transformations for comedic effect, focusing on the absurdity of the characters' situations rather than delving deep into the social issues it touches upon.
**Tone and Style:** The tone of "Ben & Ara" is more serious and contemplative, aiming to evoke emotional responses from the audience. It employs a character-centric narrative style, allowing viewers to connect with the protagonists on a personal level as they navigate the challenges of their relationship.
"White Chicks" adopts a lighthearted and comedic tone throughout. The film relies on physical humor, slapstick comedy, and over-the-top scenarios to entertain the audience. Its style is more exaggerated and theatrical, emphasizing laughs over emotional engagement.
**Cultural Representation:** "Ben & Ara" is notable for its exploration of interracial relationships and the intersectionality of cultural identity. It addresses these themes with a sense of authenticity, providing a platform for discussions on societal expectations and biases.
"White Chicks" uses a different approach to explore issues related to race and gender. By employing cross-dressing and makeup transformations, the film engages with these themes through satire, often using humor that may be seen as controversial or divisive.
In conclusion, "Ben & Ara" and "White Chicks" offer distinct viewing experiences due to their disparate genres, tones, and narrative styles. "Ben & Ara" delves into the complexities of love and cultural identity with a serious and character-driven approach, while "White Chicks" opts for comedy and satire to explore similar themes in a more exaggerated and humorous manner. The choice between the two would largely depend on one's preference for genre and storytelling style.
**Narrative and Genre:** "Ben & Ara" is a romantic drama directed by Nnegest Likké, exploring the complexities of interracial relationships and cultural clashes. It delves into the personal journeys of its protagonists, Ben and Ara, with a focus on character-driven storytelling within a contemporary setting.
In contrast, "White Chicks," directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, falls under the comedy genre. The film follows FBI agents who go undercover as affluent socialites, navigating the challenges and absurdities of their transformed identities. "White Chicks" employs humor, satire, and exaggerated scenarios to entertain its audience.
**Themes:** "Ben & Ara" primarily addresses themes of interracial relationships, cultural identity, and societal expectations. It takes a serious and nuanced approach to these topics, provoking thought and reflection on the complexities of love and cultural clashes.
"White Chicks," on the other hand, uses satire and comedy to explore themes related to identity and societal expectations. The film exaggerates gender and racial transformations for comedic effect, focusing on the absurdity of the characters' situations rather than delving deep into the social issues it touches upon.
**Tone and Style:** The tone of "Ben & Ara" is more serious and contemplative, aiming to evoke emotional responses from the audience. It employs a character-centric narrative style, allowing viewers to connect with the protagonists on a personal level as they navigate the challenges of their relationship.
"White Chicks" adopts a lighthearted and comedic tone throughout. The film relies on physical humor, slapstick comedy, and over-the-top scenarios to entertain the audience. Its style is more exaggerated and theatrical, emphasizing laughs over emotional engagement.
**Cultural Representation:** "Ben & Ara" is notable for its exploration of interracial relationships and the intersectionality of cultural identity. It addresses these themes with a sense of authenticity, providing a platform for discussions on societal expectations and biases.
"White Chicks" uses a different approach to explore issues related to race and gender. By employing cross-dressing and makeup transformations, the film engages with these themes through satire, often using humor that may be seen as controversial or divisive.
In conclusion, "Ben & Ara" and "White Chicks" offer distinct viewing experiences due to their disparate genres, tones, and narrative styles. "Ben & Ara" delves into the complexities of love and cultural identity with a serious and character-driven approach, while "White Chicks" opts for comedy and satire to explore similar themes in a more exaggerated and humorous manner. The choice between the two would largely depend on one's preference for genre and storytelling style.
A boring 'romance' with the biggest downer ending ever.
Mr_Sophistication_Uk4 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Ben is an atheist writer. Ara is a Muslim student. They meet together at an art gallery and fall in love more-or-less straight away, even if they don't realise it yet.
They have lots of pretentious conversations about culture, religion and philosophy, which to these ears at least was the epitome of boredom. Still, not to worry, eh? At still have the romance to look forward to...
Well actually, no we don't as he is as dull as ditchwater, and she is a bit more interesting but doesn't really have that much chemistry with Mr David Duchovny-lite.
After a while, Ara falls pregnant and they seem ready to settle down together, but then out of the blue Ben finds out he made another woman who he was seeing before he met Ara 'in the family way'... and she plans on KEEPING the baby.
So, what does Ara decide? She dumps him on the spot, has an abortion, fully commits back to the religion she's spent most of the film being a passive follower of at best and worst of all, agrees to an arranged marriage with a dude who she doesn't even like.
Wow. Just, wow. I can understand having second thoughts over your boyfriend because you find he's expecting a child with someone else, but butchering your own future in the process? I believe they call that a 'self inflicted injury'. In any case it sucks, and doesn't just end the movie on a bad taste... it practically empties the entire bottle of castor oil down your throat.
I suppose this seriously unsatisfying conclusion is meant to prove the point that 'some things just aren't mean to be' and 'the gap between their two lifestyles was too wide', but I just saw it as a tacked-on finale which was probably put into not offend any religious sensibilities out there. In other words, fear wrote the script.
So what was a very tedious film to begin with full of padding in the middle turns into an absolute horror show by the end, because they take any possible happiness for our characters and throw it back in our faces with a 10 ton weight attached. I'm all for 'surprise' twists, but when they feel as disheartening and frustrating as this one...
Nope. Not having it. Get ye gone. 1/10.
They have lots of pretentious conversations about culture, religion and philosophy, which to these ears at least was the epitome of boredom. Still, not to worry, eh? At still have the romance to look forward to...
Well actually, no we don't as he is as dull as ditchwater, and she is a bit more interesting but doesn't really have that much chemistry with Mr David Duchovny-lite.
After a while, Ara falls pregnant and they seem ready to settle down together, but then out of the blue Ben finds out he made another woman who he was seeing before he met Ara 'in the family way'... and she plans on KEEPING the baby.
So, what does Ara decide? She dumps him on the spot, has an abortion, fully commits back to the religion she's spent most of the film being a passive follower of at best and worst of all, agrees to an arranged marriage with a dude who she doesn't even like.
Wow. Just, wow. I can understand having second thoughts over your boyfriend because you find he's expecting a child with someone else, but butchering your own future in the process? I believe they call that a 'self inflicted injury'. In any case it sucks, and doesn't just end the movie on a bad taste... it practically empties the entire bottle of castor oil down your throat.
I suppose this seriously unsatisfying conclusion is meant to prove the point that 'some things just aren't mean to be' and 'the gap between their two lifestyles was too wide', but I just saw it as a tacked-on finale which was probably put into not offend any religious sensibilities out there. In other words, fear wrote the script.
So what was a very tedious film to begin with full of padding in the middle turns into an absolute horror show by the end, because they take any possible happiness for our characters and throw it back in our faces with a 10 ton weight attached. I'm all for 'surprise' twists, but when they feel as disheartening and frustrating as this one...
Nope. Not having it. Get ye gone. 1/10.
Because of movies like this, hope we can end culture clash
debbypaulseth26 March 2022
I disagree with the previous reviews; different tastes opinions make the world go round!
I thought this was a lovely movie, and I look forward to the day when we are all allowed to love whom our heart wants. I pray to see it in my lifetime.
Well written Joseph Baird, and great acting to all the cast.
I thought this was a lovely movie, and I look forward to the day when we are all allowed to love whom our heart wants. I pray to see it in my lifetime.
Well written Joseph Baird, and great acting to all the cast.
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