I am writing this without spoilers, intentionally. I want people that haven't seen this movie and who read this, to understand how incredibly important it is, and to know that it is beautifully made.
There aren't any words that are adequate enough to express how much I loved this movie. Someone reading this might wonder, "Why a 10, though?
My answer is that some things are imperfectly perfect. This is one of those things.
Speaking of 10, this is now in my top 10 favorite movies of all time now, it made that much of an impression. It is a heartbreaking, beautiful story that inspired me to do some research on the movie. Because I care. Deeply. And I'm pretty sure that was the goal: awareness, compassion, concern and love.
Thabo Kaamba, the little girl that played young Joseph, was fantastic in this role. May she be blessed all her life. She is beautiful, and perfect.
John Chiti, whom the story is based on, is now a musician and activist, an advocate for those that were also born with albinism.
I'm so very happy to see a movie about Africa that's actually made in Africa (Zambia), and out of the reach of Hollywood-influence.
Congratulations to everyone that worked on this project and for its success as the first Zambian film on the Netflix streaming service.
Phenomenal directing and production by Mumba and Thompson. The writing was epic. The cast were fantastic. Solid cinematography.
For anyone reading this, understand that in Zambia and some other countries in Africa, assault and violence against people with albinism is not rare. I'll leave you to your own research. It's frightening, and heartbreaking.
I had to stop the movie several times because I was sobbing with grief. I have tears in my eyes just writing this review. The movie is that profound.
An online reviewer said, "A narrative symphony that resonates, long after the last note fades away." Nothing could be more true.