DVD Corner

3 Revolutionary Films By Ousmane Sembène Criterion Blu-ray Review

3 Revolutionary Films By 3 Revolutionary Films By Ousmane Sembène offers up a solid sample of the Senegalese filmmaker.

Best known for the great “Black Girl” and “Mandabi” (both titles also available from Criterion), Ousmane Sembène now has his very own Criterion box set featuring 3 films- “Xala,” “Ceddo,” and “Emitaï.”The 3 works from the pioneering voice of African cinema are all political in nature although each one varies in town. They’re all very socially aware/activist films for those that may not be aware.

1975’s “Xala” is the most comedic of the three and is also arguably the best of the lot. The story follows El Hadji- a Government official in Senegal which has recently gained independence but the French Colonialism still lingers. When El Hadji takes on a third bride, he finds that he has become impotent. He believes his brides may have cursed him at first, but he also starts to wonder if this is karma for his political corruption. El Hadji goes about seeking a cure…if he can.

Despite running a sluggish and needlessly long 123 minutes, “Xala” (which is based on Sembène’s own novel) is a satirical story with a lot on its mind as writer/director Ousmane Sembène explores themes of religion, patriarchy, colonialism, greed, and African traditions. Much like “Mandabi,” Sembène has a very distinct way of blending humor with real world issues in his storytelling. He’s a unique voice in cinema to be sure. 

Sembène followed up “Xala” with 1977’s “Ceddo.” The story’s timeline is ambiguous, but it’s likely set in the late 1800’s in Senegal. The story centers on a village that is on the verge of being converted to Islam. A white slave trader and a Christian priest are also within the village. When King Demba approves of the changes, outsiders wanting to preserve their culture decide to kidnap the King’s daughter and hold her hostage. Meanwhile, the Imam makes a murderous power play move for the throne, but Dior just might stand in his way of his conquest.

Controversial and even banned in Senegal, “Ceddo” is nothing if not an ambitious exploration of religious conversion, political power, and culture preservation. Much like “Xala,” the film struggles from pacing issues and tedious dialogue (expect a lot of discourse). Some may also scoff at the fact that the film has an almost stage play like feel to it, but it works to Sembène’s advantage. It’s a style he seems comfortable with and it fits with the almost Shakespearean style story he is telling. 

Set during WWII, 1971’s “Emitaï” is the darkest and most dramatic film of the box set. The story takes place in a Diola village that is enduring great hardships from the French Colonials. The French demand taxes in the form of rice (that the villagers need) and they force the families to send their sons into war. The village tribes pray to the Gods and ponder resisting the French’s orders. 

As with the other films in this set, Sembène is once again delving into deep subject matters that are ever present in his filmography. This time around he’s tackling religion, colonialism and politics. It may not be subtle and the middle act seems to sag as it veers towards the finale, but this is a hard hitting story of injustice that also may arguably be his most visual work. The location shooting is particularly noteworthy and really strengthens the film as a whole.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.66:1 1080p for “Emitaï” and “Xala” and 1.85:1 1080p for “Ceddo.” How do they look? The 4K digital restorations for all 3 films offer up clean new prints. This is easily the best the films have looked.

Audio Track: Uncompressed Mono. “Xala” In Wolof and French, “Ceddo” in Wolof and “Emitaï” in Diola and French. How do they sound? The sound quality of the films are of varying degrees of quality, but the tracks themselves are primarily satisfactory if a bit soft.

Extras:
* A booklet featuring an essay by writer/film programmer Yasmina Price, credits, and photos.
* A 27 minute making of “Ceddo” which features behind-the-scenes footage, discussions about the work of Ousmane Sembène (and interviews with him) and more.
* A newly recorded 38 minute conversation between Mahen Bonetti (African Film Festival Director) and writer/editor of African journal “SUNU” Amy Sall. The 2 talk about Sembène, the themes of his work (which still remain relevant to this day), African Film Festival, Bonetti’s friendship with Sembène, etc.offers up a solid sample of the Senegalese filmmaker.

June 2, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 3 Revolutionary Films By Ousmane Sembène Criterion Blu-ray Review, Ceddo, Criterion Collection, Emitaï, Xala