Saloum

This is a really great movie. I recommend it to everyone: it deserves a broader audience. It seems a great pity few people will view this because it's not a Hollywood blockbuster, when the quality is far superior to most. It is available online as it is not in theatres.

Beautiful cinematography (it was a pleasure viewing the scenes), interesting script (with a lot of unexpected turns), compelling performances, interesting setting in a part of the world that is little covered in cinema. No romantic angle, sentimentality or cliches, which is refreshing. An excellent movie for those who appreciate quality cinema.

This was an unexpected treat, right from the get-go. This fast paced 84 minutes of genre-bending excellent display of filmmaking by Jean Luc Herbulot succeeds in elevating the story-telling experience in a Tarantino fashion, but within the west African beautiful landscapes and with the most colorful characters you can expect to see on the big screen. All casting and performances were excellent. The cinematography, score and visual effects were captivating. My only issues were some of the dialogue that didn't make sense to me, and some rookie-filmmaker plot and technical issues. I feel this film needed another 10-15 minutes added to the screenplay for better cohesion and clarity between the first and final act. Nevertheless, it's a great film I'll be watching at least one more time. Can't wait to see what this filmmaker gives us next. A well deserved 8/10 from me.

To compare this to any Tarantino film is shallow and insulting. This film, although flawed, holds some actual originality instead of thinly disguised ideas "borrowed" from other films. The first half of the film is solid. Interesting characters in an interesting situation. The second half of the film reminds us that this is a horror film. If you have a pathological dislike for CGI - this film might not be your thing. Personally, I found the CGI as interesting as it can be...but it does take away from the realism established in the first half of the film. Interesting to see what looks to be Kumpo dance imagery. The cinematography and acting were great. The presence of a compelling story drives this film, elevating it above tired, old comparisons.

I understand that some felt the movie was a bit like Tarantino at the beginning ... but you can't really put this into a box. There is so much going on - not everything is working - or rather flowing like a river. To put a pun into this. There are a few things that may have gone over my head at the first time viewing, but I know that you can't watch this and have a black and white view on things (no pun intended with this one). There is a lot of grey area within the movie and the moral compass you may have, will freak out on you.

That said, there is violence and there is a twist that I did not expect to happen like that. But having said that, the special effects this uses for exactly that are not worse than any big budget movie (imho). And this was clearly made with a fraction of the money any Hollywood Blockbuster is using. This played at the Fantasy Filmfest in Germany and it fitted right in. Try to read as little as possible about this and enjoy the crazy and out there story that also is shot very beautifully - landscapes and framing wise. The latter even in a one-shot that is filled with action and works so smoothy you may not even notice there is not a single cut in it.

If you're open minded, go ahead and broaden your horizons ... in more sense than one.

You will not regret watching this movie. Though I am a huge horror movie fan, I must say that the movie would've been so much better without the last part. Beautiful Africa, great characters and an intriguing story - I really enjoyed the movie. I would love it even more if it was a mystery instead of horror. Loved the cast , the nature, their customs and legends. But still the last third of the movie was somehow... Poorly executed. Still, I think it deserves a good grade! Africa is beautiful, full of myths and legends. It has such a potential for future projects! Hopefully we will see more movies like this!