anassar Reviews

Haïti: la fin des chimères?... (2004)

Haiti's history in a nutshell

[10/10 · 28 April 2004]

A great documentary relating the escapades of Haiti since 1804. Most of it

concentrates on the Aristide year's in power, but gives a great overview of the REAL problems that have plagued the country since it's independence. A most see. Najman's use of pro and con of Aristide's choice does illustrate the issues that the country has been facing for over 200 years. The film also explains how the ongoing oligarchy has been in power for ever and will be in power for a long time to come.... having the support of the US who is opposed to any popular/ or let's say freely elected government. The movie was shot during the first few weeks

of this year (2004) and offers a great insight on the actual events regarding the status of Aristide as president and the "in limbo" state Haiti is now in.

Royal Bonbon (2002)

Sublime vision and account of King Christophe of Haiti.

[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.