Untamable

I know nothing about Cameroon. Therefore I found this movie, made by an African, interesting. Maybe not the most riveting of movies, but probably a very realistic description of police work in Africa. The street scenes and interiors ring true and the familial problems of the investigator give it a human touch.

If like me you like police procedurals but haven't seen any set in the African topics, then Indomptables (Eng: Untamable) is for you. Cameroon is the backdrop for this tale set around the shooting of a police officer, the dogged search reasons for why and the culprits by troubled Commissaire Zachary Billong. The mystery itself is reasonably satisfying and proficiently solved, and works well enough with some expected twists, while Hollywood-style car chases and extended shoot outs are notable by their absence. But the film is more than that; it is also about Billong's family life, in particular his relationships with his wife, delinquent son and estranged daughter. It also has some direct commentary to make on the state of the country, Cameroon ("what a country") seen by turn as a place of power cuts, inefficiencies and casual violence - the hero's boss is more worried about possible deaths of suspects in custody rather than the face of police brutality - and corruption. As Commissaire Zachary Billong, Thomas Ngijol is a quietly impressive presence, also being responsible for the script and direction. Given that his previous work has mostly lain in comedies and under the radar, his efforts here in front of, and behind the camera can be accounted overall a modest success and is recommended.