Ntumbuluku Reviews

Po di Sangui (1996)

Each viewing reveals more.

[10/10 · 11 March 2005]

Po di Sangui, though rough in a few places, powerfully portrays the plight of rural Africa in the face of the approaching modernity of the Western World. In a world where languages and cultures are disappearing, Po di Sangui explores how the indigenous cultures of Africa deal with the societal ruptures caused by migration to urban centers, and the arrival of Western science in the bush.

The beauty of Po di Sangui is the insight it gives into the nature of rural African culture. The veil between the world of the living and the dead is not absolute, as in Western culture. The living communicate with the dead by way of visions, conversing with trees, and signs. Conflict erupts when scientists arrive that neither respect nor believe in the power of the rural culture. The people must decide if the solution is isolation from the modern world, embracing it, or a mixture of the two. Each viewing provides deeper insights into the dilemma.

This film features some beautiful cinematography, as well.

Amarelo Manga (2002)

And the point is...?

[2/10 · 11 March 2005]

To comment on the moribund nature of society? If that's what you're into then watch the evening news and save two hours of your life. It is rare that I watch a movie and feel that it fails to portray any kind of worthwhile social commentary--especially when the movie, from the beginning, seems determined to try to do so. Amarelo Manga becomes an unintentional parody of sweeping social commentary and fades, instead, into fascination with the sexually deviant. I give it three stars because Matheus Nachtergaele gives a memorable performance as a gay hotel tramp who is always trying to involve himself in others' affairs (and get them involved in his). His performance notwithstanding, this movie is not worth the time.