By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3 cats
Director: Matteo Garrone
Starring: Doodou Sagna | Hichem Yacoubi | Issaka Sawadogo | Moustapha Fall | Seydou Sarr
Year: 2024
Running time: 121
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14225838/reference/
Diane says: “A brutal, harrowing story of two boys who leave Senegal intent on reaching Europe, not to escape poverty or persecution, but to follow their dream of becoming pop stars. I was tricked by the movie poster into thinking it was heavy on magical realism. But it was true to what we all know something about: the corruption of those who can control the passageways and the exploitation of certain migrants. Director Matteo Garrone (GOMORRAH) does not shy away from violence.
“Traveling through Mali, Niger, and Libya, the teens manage to retain their hopeful innocence and compassion for their fellow travelers. Lead Seydou Sarr has received accolades as ‘the hero.’ Cinematography is unexpectedly crisp and colorful. An interesting mix for the soundtrack includes trancelike soundscape, Malian pop, and a Ugandan artist who was produced by Brian Eno. 3 cats”
Io Capitano