Boxing Libreville Film Difficulty Ranking: 3
If you’re a boxing fan or simply a regular gym rat, you’ll be able to sympathise with Christ in Boxing Libreville. He’s a boxer who trains all day and works all night to try to become the best boxer in Gabon as the hope of a new political future builds in the background.
From: Gabon, Africa Watch: Trailer Next: Makala, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki, Fruitvale Station
Why Watch Boxing Libreville?
- Experience life in Libreville, Gabon
- Become a boxer for an hour
- Feel the political unrest brewing
- If you like a good documentary like Makala
The Breakdown
Boxing Libreville starts in the boxing club where Christ is training with his coach. It’s pretty much where he lives. He wakes up, walks to the boxing club, trains all day, and then works at the local nightclub to make enough to cover his boxing membership. His dedication has helped him become one of the best boxers in Gabon.
The focus of the entire documentary never strays from Christ. As a result, we only see what he sees: the boxing ring, the nightclub, his girlfriend, a few streets, and his apartment. We are confined to his world.
Our limited view of Libreville and Gabon is a choice. It’s a symbol of Christ’s indifference to the political elections taking place in the background. We hear the political news on the radio – the only place that Christ (and us) are exposed to what is happening politically – that Ali Bongo (son of Omar Bongo – the previous leader) is running for re-election. Our exposure is limited because it’s not important to Christ. He knows that he is better off focusing on his passion than being distracted by the hope of a new political future which will ultimately be crushed by the status quo.
What to Watch Next
If you’re looking for another intimate and fascinating documentary from sub-Saharan Africa, I strongly recommend watching the amazing Makala from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Or if you’re into boxing check out Finland’s The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki for a heartwarming story, or Scorcese’s Raging Bull for a bleak depiction of a boxing maniac.
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