Customer Reviews

Sankofa (DVD)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Maroon is the Taino word for African - Native genetic and cultural hybrids. It means wild and free. A maroon, can be a former slave who creates a free and vital culture, not simply escapes slavery...This film weaves a number of African references and images...transforming the woman (wearing a blonde wig) who is allowing her image to be exploited by a descendant of the slavers, in a fashion photo shoot on the sands outside a slave fort. Admonished by Sankofa a griot, to find her roots...that she begins wearing African garb does not save her, and she is transported across the sea and time to the so-called new world in slavery...This film shows the reality of slavery in a brutally honest (the fatal whipping of a pregnant woman a case in point) way that Spielberg's Amistad never could. It also shows the historical resistance to slavery as represented by the maroons, ably portrayed by Mutaburuka's character...a must have for the serious student of a more real history than that portrayed by the "Columbus Discovered America, Christianity Civilized the Savages of Africa and America" narrative. This could clearly never be made by Hollywood, a must have like Julie Dash's "Daughters of the Dust". While one must have some background to pick up on the nuances,,,like maroons, like Goree and the door of no return, the relationship between weaponized (Romanized) Christianity and slavery and colonization, and its start differences with Indigenous African forms of Spirituality (Which include pre-racist, pre-sexist, pre-homophobic forms of Christianity), are made clear, leaving it open for the viewer to make their own conclusions.

I watched this movie in the 90's and convinced my family to watch it, as well. Movie is well-told and heart felt. It convinced me to begin researching and documenting my own family tree. Thus far, I've researched back to my great great grandparents! As far as I know I'm the first,in my family, to commit it to writing.

I encourage anyone, especially of African American descent, to not only watch this movie but own it.

This is not a mere film; it is an eye opening experience and a window to the past. Anyone who has a history intertwined with Slavery (which is everyone) should see this film. This film will give sight to the blind forgetful, insight to the unaware and a renewed sense of pride to those who remember.

Sankofa (DVD)

I had this move on VHS many years ago. I'm pleased to have found it on DVD. I love it!

I bought this for use in teaching. It's a very thought-provoking film, but totally accessible to historical novices. Of course, it's also good just for viewing simply for pleasure. The story is riveting and the cinematography is luscious! I saw it first in theaters years ago and have been looking for it on DVD for some time.

This movie is a Brilliantly Transformative piece of Soul Food! A most see for any African lost in the Diaspora.

I watched this film in African Culture class (spr 06) and it opened my eyes up to who I am as a black man and the fact that I AM KING

I been trying to watch this film for years and found it on amazon. It moves slow but very dramatic tale on slavery and freedom.
It actually rivals the roots series. It would been more impactful with better actors. Overall I enjoyed it. This film is also a good resource for those involve in African American studies.

This movie is a great tool for african american history. I was first shown it in high school by my african history teacher 12 yrs ago and I never forgot it! I always said I had to have it in my movie collection. It is graphic so I would advise that it is watched first prior to showing to an audience. Overall it is a good way to teach, show and acknowledge the past.

I enjoyed this DVD.

In fact I was able to get my wife to watch and she liked it also.

If you're interested in Afrocentic values or black history. This is a good movie to watch.

For the person in school studying African American history, you should include this in your studies.