12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Poetry, Youth, and Identity in 1970's Dakar, Senegal., July 21, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Touki Bouki [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"Touki Bouki" is a mesmerizing, wonderful film and is worth every single penny. Djibril Diop Mambety was a filmmaker with the soul of a poet and this film was groundbreaking in its unapologetic satire of neo-colonial attitudes in 1970's Senegal. The story of a young couple, Mory a cattle herder, and Anta a student, as they try anything in order to fulfill their dream of moving from Dakar to Paris ("The Little Corner of Paradise on Earth"). With superb acting and cinematography, the film is fast-paced and rich in imagery and innovative uses of sound. Funny, heartbreaking, and beautifully filmed, "Touki Bouki" is a masterpiece, ranking amongst the best films ever made in any language, on any continent. Not to be missed!
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An African Adventure/Crime Story, February 14, 2002
This review is from: Touki Bouki [VHS] (VHS Tape)
TOUKI BOUKI is an early film by the late director Djibril Diop Mambéty (LITTLE GIRL WHO SOLD THE SUN). One might categorize the film along the lines of BONNIE AND CLYDE or EASY RIDER, but from a distinctly African (or non-Western) perspective. The story involves a couple who go on an adventure in Dakar, Senegal, in an attempt to raise money to go to Paris, France.
For those who are not used to the style and pace of African films, TOUKI BOUKI might take some getting used to. While the film flows at a brisk pace (at least by African standards), it doesn't follow the conventional Hollywood narrative formula.
Like most African films, TOUKI BOUKI is more concerned with the community as a whole rather than the goals of its two "protagonists." Also, you won't see the quick cutting found in most Western films, particularly those involving crime or adventure.
However, if you can get past the difference of TOUKI BOUKI compared to Hollywood films, there is much to savor here. It is a different kind of ride, but well worth it.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sorta weird, though worth watching, September 23, 2010
This film was okay. A weird movie, and it was sorta worth watching though I'm not sure why. Slow moving for American standards. Be patient if you're gonna watch it.
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