Ceddo

Impressive depiction cultural invasion in west Africa told with the story of a small village. Through the sharp and incisive writing we can explore the struggles of the various factions in trying to deal with conflicting goals and ideals and the pressures put on them to change their ways.

Ousmane Sembene #1

# 566

Slappin soundtrack and the usual quality visuals from Sembene.

621

An African village is torn between Islam and those with traditional beliefs. Sembene weaves a complex and fascinating tale, loaded with symbolism and metaphor. The filmmaking craft is not especially dazzling, but it's done quite capably, and the incongruous score is the only sour note. The simple approach to the material allows the viewer to become fully immersed in the story, and it's a very compelling situation. Memorable and satisfying.

687

Decent but a little too slow paced and some of the action stuff looks pretty amateur. It's about a topic you don't see discussed much, at least in Western movies. I liked some of the musical choices. The technique is not distinguished but isn't bad or anything.

Peculiar choice of soundtrack, especially in the first half hour, I think the choir songs were effective though. Overall another impressive effort by Sembene.

#748