Tag Archives: colonialism
The Sea Wall (2008)
A few years ago, the French film The Lover, based on the book by Marguarite Duras, made the cinema circuit. I loathed the film for its excessive romanticism. Yes I know millions loved it, but I didn’t. So when I saw … Continue reading
Filed under Cambodia, France, Isabelle Huppert, Political/social films
Intimate Enemies (2007)
“I hear you’ve been having qualms.” The gritty, intense French film, Intimate Enemies (L’Ennemi Intime) from director Florent Emilio Siri examines the French-Algerian war through a single platoon. It’s 1959, and the FLN (National Liberation Front) is committed to a … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, France
Nuit Noire, 17 Octobre 1961(2005)
Nuit Noire, 17 Octobre 1961, a French made-for-television film is a long-overdue look at the horrendous events that took place in Paris on that fateful night. In the summer of 1961, Algerian nationalist forces and De Gaulle’s French government were locked … Continue reading
Filed under France
Coup de Torchon (1981)
“I’ve got no choice. First, I’m underpaid; second, my wife takes all my money;and third, fining you is practically a civic duty.” In the French film Coup de Torchon (Clean Slate), Jim Thompson’s noir novel Pop. 1280 is transposed from … Continue reading
Filed under France, Isabelle Huppert
Change My Life (2001)
Fanny Ardant is an incredibly talented and versatile French actress, and the drama Change My Life (Change Moi Ma Vie) gives her a role that allows her to display that talent. Ardant plays Nina, a neurotic, pill-popping has-been actress who’s … Continue reading
Filed under Fanny Ardant, France
Before the Rains (2007)
“We will not cooperate with the British.” The film Before the Rains, from director Santosh Sivan, examines colonialism through the relationships between a white British landowner and two of his Indian servants. Set in 1937 India, the film’s lush exotic … Continue reading
Filed under Indian
Burn (1969)
“The guerilla fights for an idea.” BURN director Gillo Pontecorvo’s scathing critique of colonialism is set against backdrop of the exploitative sugar trade of the 19th century. If you get over the problem of Marlon Brando playing a blond Englishman … Continue reading
Filed under Political/social films, Pontecorvo
Black and White in Colour (1976)
“The conviction we hold of our own superiority.” At a remote outpost in Africa, a handful of French expatriates receive the news that WWI has begun. By the time the news arrives, the war is already well underway. News of … Continue reading
Filed under (Anti) War, France, Political/social films
Life and Debt (2001)
“Anything that led to the more self-reliance was discouraged.” Jamaica is touted as a glorious, relaxing exotic holiday destination–a veritable paradise on earth, but the documentary Life and Debt takes a look at the devastating effects of globalization on the … Continue reading
Filed under Documentary, Political/social films
Raja (2003)
“We haven’t even started and already disillusion has set in.” The film Raja explores colonialism through the relationship between a middle-aged, bored, jaded, wealthy Frenchman living in Morocco and a young orphaned girl he employs. When Raja (Najat Benssallem) appears … Continue reading
