This is a worthwhile but somber look at village life in Mali. It is essentially a soap opera with anti-religious overtones, and a few scenes that seemed quite weird to the eyes of this American viewer. The story involves a young man who experiences discrimination from his fellow villagers because he is illegitimate. He clashes with the local priest over a contaminated well which is the village's sole source of water.
*********Spoilers follow**********
He is also involved in a love triangle which results in both the film's only comic scenes and its final tragedy. There is a strange and affecting scene involving partial nudity and witchcraft.
I hope someone can add a comment here addressing the reality of life in a small town in Mali. It seems very primitive, bleak, and dominated by fantastic (in the true meaning of the word) religious conservatism. Is it really like this?
*********Spoilers follow**********
He is also involved in a love triangle which results in both the film's only comic scenes and its final tragedy. There is a strange and affecting scene involving partial nudity and witchcraft.
I hope someone can add a comment here addressing the reality of life in a small town in Mali. It seems very primitive, bleak, and dominated by fantastic (in the true meaning of the word) religious conservatism. Is it really like this?
