Customer Reviews

Touki Bouki [VHS]

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

 

 

"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!

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.

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.

A next story of potential migrants whose intentions wouldn't amuse at all as Senegal depicted testifies in this case.

A pare of pro-western-looking young people stole whatever to make it in Paris.

Well, if they drive own motor-bike and a car, no wonder they will nothing to do in a French semi-colony.

Humor and a natural actors' beauty add a very something to this work interesting for depicting a place so rarely screened wherever.

I love this film. It is so very in your face yet subtle at the same time. Its is fantastic story telling. The animal killing scene are graphic (especially for a life long veg. like myself), but they work well with in the telling of the story.
Very good intro to senegalese film.

Director Mambety uses his unique experimental techniques to tell the story of two teenagers who are both lured to the calling of Paris. The story is an adventure from the city of Dakar to the boat docks of Senegal where they wish to depart to the modern jet set of Paris.

This 2005 Kino release of Mambéty's "Touki Bouki" also has his previously unreleased 1969 "Contras' City." Mambéty is also recorded in interview (KINO, ~$20).