Timbuktu Film Difficulty Ranking: 4
“What!? You haven’t seen any films from Africa!?”
Well, honestly, I was in a similar position a few months ago. I’d only seen a few films set in the continent, such as the brilliant District 9, the heart-warming Africa United, and the heart-wrenching Hotel Rwanda. So when I saw Timbuktu gather critical acclaim at Cannes as well as a nomination for the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film, I gave it a watch. Safe to say, it was well worth it!
From: Mali, Africa
Watch: Trailer, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: Abouna, Zerzura, Amores Perros
Why Watch Timbuktu?
- If ISIS or Boko Haram has caught your attention recently
- You love music – especially African music
- For one of the most epic long-shots of all-time (you’ll know it when you see it)
- If you love languages! This one features Tamasheq, Bambara, Arabic, French, and a few bits of English. Don’t worry though, it’s all subtitled!
The Breakdown
Set in the capital city of Mali, Timbuktu, Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako takes us on a tour of the capital, playing scenes to us as if we are a VIP fly on the wall. Timbuktu presents a clash of cultures between the native people of the city, the new extremist jihadist group, and nomads. You will witness Sharia law being imposed on the locals in little clips throughout the film, breaking up the main narrative of Kidane, a peaceful nomad living outside the city.
The Gazelle chase at the beginning of the film does not reflect the tone that the film assumes. Instead, the film moves calmly and precisely like a biblical story, building a sense of foreboding throughout. We submit to Sissako’s human portrayal of Timbuktu just as the residents of Timbuktu submit to the Jihadists’ Sharia law. I loved how the Jihadists are given an honest, unprejudiced treatment by Sissako; a lesson many of us should take.
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