Goodbye Julia

Movie about a woman or two women.

Within the canvas of Sudan's societal divide between Arab-dominated North and black Sudanese, this film encapsulates the intricacies of conflict, rooted in racism, religion, and politics. It revolves around the struggles faced by one or two women, shedding light on poverty, parenting challenges, and the lack of intimacy in marriage. These issues are interwoven with the repercussions of a couple of well-intentioned lies.

Throughout the narrative, the women in this tale are not truly comprehended by the men who claim to love them. Even the children fail to grasp their emotional plight, evoking a sense of helplessness among the audience.

The narrative delves deep into the human condition, inviting reflection on pressing global issues often overlooked by mainstream media. Set against the backdrop of 2005 and 2010, the film meticulously crafts its era, portraying an authentic representation of culture, language, and technology. The art direction, including vehicles, gadgets, fashion, and language subtitled for the audience, is commendable.

Having watched it at IFFK 2023, the International Film Festival of Kerala, this movie is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of humanity in the face of societal turmoil.

A moving Sudanese drama, Goodbye Julia explores questions of guilt, atonement, and the intricacies of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Khartoum's tumultuous conditions, this film invites viewers to explore the raw emotions and societal tensions that shaped Sudan's history.

A former northern Sudanese singer named Mona (Eiman Yousif) is haunted by guilt as she nears the end of her career in the years leading up to South Sudan's 2011 independence. As a means of atonement for her complicity in the demise of a man from the South, she employs the innocent Julia (played by Siran Riak), the man's widow, as her housekeeper. As she adapts to her new reality, Mona struggles with her past and the inability to admit her wrongdoing. Little does she know that the country's turmoil will find its way into her home, forcing her to confront her sins face-to-face.

The film's tone oscillates between melancholy and hope. It delves into the human psyche, exposing how lies and distrust can lead to calamities-even when intentions are honourable. Loveless marriages, class structures, and the longing for voice resonate universally. As viewers, we witness the harsh realities faced by Sudanese people during a time of immense social and political upheaval.

Eiman Yousif and Siran Riak breathe life into their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, portraying the tension between North and South Sudan. Yousif's haunting songs add depth, while Riak's portrayal of an unsuspecting widow is both heartbreaking and powerful.

Kordofani's directorial debut surprises with its artistry. The film's visual language captures the essence of Sudan-its vibrant colours, dusty streets, and sun-soaked landscapes. Pierre de Villiers' cinematography immerses us in the characters' emotional turmoil. Mazin Hamid's score complements the narrative, evoking emotions that linger. The unexpected sound mixing heightens the impact. Heba Othman's editing maintains a steady pace, allowing the story to unfold organically.

The pacing of Goodbye Julia occasionally falters, and some scenes could be tighter. Yet, it's a soulful journey worth taking. For every Sudanese and anyone seeking a glimpse into a nation's heart, this movie is definitely worth watching.

A very beautiful movie, the movie surpassed itself in terms of direction, story, soundtrack, and even direction and acting were superb. The movie spoke with great honesty about the Sudanese reality. And a wonderful cast, I praise the actor Nizar Jumaa for his wonderful acting and his embodiment of the role in a beautiful way. The movie depicted for us a beautiful era and a smooth series of events without feeling bored and an acceptable ending. But there were some scenes that they were not successful in, or that in my opinion these scenes were not necessary and had no important message in the movie. In addition to the final song, which could have been chosen better, but this does not detract from the beauty of the movie and a story worth watching. I hope to see more works from the director and the actors, especially the actor Nizar Jumaa and a big praise for him. My rating for the movie is 8.8.

1. If this movie has taught me anything it would be to not generalize 2. Put yourself in shoes of others

I myself I'm northern sudanese and I lived with southern Sudan people and my whole life I hear from people that south sudanese are are dirty, ignorant, thieves even though this is not the case at all not all of them are like this they are millions so how can you just say all of them.

We had a guard who was southern and he was very respectful, good hearted, hygienic and smart man. He was actually an English teacher he only worked for us to find shelter since there was no opportunities for him he can't give private lessons schools don't hire themI remember I use to go sit with him while he is marking exam papers.

They are people they have families dreams ambitions goals just like you but people still discriminate against all of them just because some one did bad thing and all of sudden all of them are bad people, I believe that there is no way in the world to judge someone other than individually because unlike you think we don't live in tribes anymore many people don't even know their neighbors, unlike chimps they can form group larger than 250 because they can't communicate so they almost have similar habits and traits but this is not the case anymore. This is why we all should put ourselves in shoes of innocent southern Sudanese people who has nothing to do with other southern Sudanese people because they don't live together they have nothing to do with them imagine terrible your life would be if you were them and unfair.

So I recommend all of you read the book black and white thinking by author Kevin Dutton.

This movie features a simple premise that manages to capture the nuance of a very complex reality. It is always difficult for movies to navigate the politics and dynamics of expressing civil war and secession struggles, made usually harder by the different layers of conflict and diplomatic dimensions. I think the movie escapes this reductionism by constantly playing devil's advocate and showing the other side of whatever question is being posed. From a story telling perspective, this movie was able to hold my attention quite firmly given how much of a slow burn drama it actually is. The very fast pace and action at the start of the movie hypes you up but you remain on edge even after the pace slows down, due to the dramatic tension.

The music really adds to the experience of the movie and is well integrated rather than feeling like an add-on. The actors are all brilliant and add a level of realism to the otherwise surreal drama going on. The cinematography and lighting add an element of nostalgia and a somber tone that creates an aged and warm aesthetic.

Overall, a great movie that is worth checking out.