2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The cruelty man does to man, January 28, 2008
This review is from: Adanggaman (DVD)
Adanggaman is a stark look at the slave trade during the 17th century. The story is s fictionalized historic account that takes place on the West Coast of Africa. The film gives a twist to the tradional versions of slave trade, as in
Roots (Four-Disc 30th Anniversary Edition) by examining the role of Africans in the slave trade. The final destination many slaves made to the Americas(only about 5% came to the U.S.) is mentioned but never made to be that important. Instead the focus is on the slaves being sold to other tribes. They are subjugated to less than wild animal tratment. The story is part travelogue, part life in the bush drama. King Adanggaman is a vile man with an insatiable appetite for power; his lust is disgusting. His tribesman carry out raids and capture other tribes and the men are sold for animals in exchange. An auction will deliver two goats, two sheep, one cow and a bonus like yams thrown in for good measure to assure the winning bid. The awaiting slaves are kept in primitive cages. It is not a pretty picture but then again slavery wasn't either. Anyway, the story centers on Ossei who manages to avoid capture, tries to free his mother , only to be caught by the feared and vicious women Amazons. These are some bad, tough women warriors. They capture Ossei, he escapes with the help of a Amazonian(not to be confused with people who frequent this site), is recaptured and the story continues. The movie is a nice alternative perspective to
Amistad and since it is made by an African director, seems rather credible. It has a documentary feel to it at times but there is enough storyline that keeps it flowing to seperate the movie from a docudrama. It is a very provocative film. It also has some great costumes worn by the tribes, realistic sets in the bush and is in some African language with subtitles, that at times, are unneccessary. As they were herding the slaves along, jibbering about with no subtitles, we jokingly added our own, " hurry up, keep moving, come on, keep moving." We were dead on as they eventually threw in almost the exact dialogue! This is a good rendering of the African slave experience that all should see for a different perspective. It does have some National Geographic type nudity and suttle violence but otherwise it is suitable for most families viewing. Recommended as an alternate view of the slave trade.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The destruction of African morals, February 15, 2002
The movie is absolutely astounding. Well made, well directed, excellent cast, beautiful music, thought-provoking, historical facts, awesome acting. African Cinema at its best. Adanggaman is not about African slavery before slavery; it's about how corrupt African kings were persuaded, tricked, and manipulated by their participation in the TransAtlantic Slave Trade. The concept of African slavery is extremely different than the chattel slavery practived in the West. The movie did show mistreatment of "next of kin", but this is very mild in comparison to slavery in the American South. Compare the movie "Sankofa" with this one and you'll see what I mean. The two together are a must in anyone's reference library. Don't miss Adanggaman!!!!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This movie blew me away!, February 4, 2002
This movie is a must see -- African slavery before slavery -- I saw this movie two days ago and I'm still moved. The music, the dancing, the subject matter -- this movie is a mover.
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