It seems that the prevailing theme of this film is one of INDIRECT COMMUNICATION.
The communication between the characters of the film happens more through gestures and body language than via dialogue. The simple, uncluttered script is littered with imperative commands (usually dispensed by adults), unanswered questions (from both adults and children) and discourse that is open to interpretation. This is of course seen most clearly in the interactions of the older brother and the deaf-mute girl. Words are not needed when so much as a look or a gentle stroke of the cheek can convey so much, and so poignantly.
So many of Amine's questions go unanswered that his situation becomes desperate, and this is manifested in a psychosematic / trauma-induced asthma condition and eventually in his demise.
The slow camera-pans past the many striking faces of the dusty Chadian boys is an image to stay with the viewer long after the film. It may remind the viewer of the Portrait photograph series by Steve McCurry.
If you have never seen the sea, you cannot know what it is like
If you are used to seeing the sea, it is hard to know what NEVER having seen the sea must be like !
The film Tilai (1990) from Burkina is also recommended to keen viewers of African films.
The communication between the characters of the film happens more through gestures and body language than via dialogue. The simple, uncluttered script is littered with imperative commands (usually dispensed by adults), unanswered questions (from both adults and children) and discourse that is open to interpretation. This is of course seen most clearly in the interactions of the older brother and the deaf-mute girl. Words are not needed when so much as a look or a gentle stroke of the cheek can convey so much, and so poignantly.
So many of Amine's questions go unanswered that his situation becomes desperate, and this is manifested in a psychosematic / trauma-induced asthma condition and eventually in his demise.
The slow camera-pans past the many striking faces of the dusty Chadian boys is an image to stay with the viewer long after the film. It may remind the viewer of the Portrait photograph series by Steve McCurry.
If you have never seen the sea, you cannot know what it is like
If you are used to seeing the sea, it is hard to know what NEVER having seen the sea must be like !
The film Tilai (1990) from Burkina is also recommended to keen viewers of African films.