Born in Algeria, of Gypsy origin and French nationality, filmmaker Tony Gatlif follows up his splendid, award-winning "Latcho Drom" -- a 1993 celebration of Gypsy music and culture, which won an award at Cannes and kudos from the National Society of Film Critics -- with the excellent "Mondo".
The exquisitely photographed 80-minute import is a lyrical account of the adventures of a homeless boy in Nice, France. Released by Maine-based specialty distributor Shadow, "Mondo" is a not-to-be-missed cinematic experience, but it will also find a well-deserved home on video.
Based on a story by revered French author J.M.G. Le Clezio, "Mondo" has the poignancy, simplicity and nascent spirituality reminiscent of works by Robert Bresson, and it also has the environs and sensual Mediterranean atmosphere of Nice. Inherently sad and critical of modern society, the story is uplifted throughout by the winning performances by mostly nonprofessionals.
No one knows where young Mondo (Ovidiu Balan) comes from. Alone, but savvy in the ways of petty thievery and making friends, Mondo is an innocent, nature-loving traveler who touches the lives of kindred souls. Although there is not much dialogue and no conventional dramatic thrust, the film is brilliantly evocative and timeless.
From a eerily beautiful scene where Mondo finds oranges covered with pleas from Algerian women written in Arabic floating in the surf to the unlucky fate of a friendly street musician (real-life tightrope master Philippe Petit) and his pretty companion (Schahla Aalam, a Turkish Kurd refugee), "Mondo" the film and character have compassion for all of humanity, even the dreaded "Ciapacan" (dogcatcher).
With a superb soundtrack and marvelous supporting turns by Pierette Fesch as a wise woman in a spectacular home, real-life homeless man Jerry Smith as a weary old soul and Maurice Maurin as Mondo's fisherman friend and teacher, "Mondo" soars to sublime heights of pathos and entertainment when it works in an inspiring church choir soloist (Catherine Brun) and takes the time to show Petit's character at work.
Writer-director Gatlif and cinematographer Eric Guichard save the best moments for the remarkable lead. With an unbeatable smile, 11-year-old Balan is a Rumanian gypsy and he plays Mondo as smart and fearless, lonely and yearning for culture, seeking beauty in the world he inhabits. A wonder-filled work of art, Mondo's fable is a visual feast and powerfully moving celebration of life.
MONDO
Shadow Distribution
In association with Upstate Films
KG Prods. with the participation of Canal Plus
A film by Tony Gatlif
Writer-director Tony Gatlif
Producer Michele Ray-Gavras
Cinematographer Eric Guichard
Editor Nicole D.V. Berckmans
Set designer Denis Mercier
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mondo Ovidiu Balan
Magician Philippe Petit
Thi-Chin Pierette Fesch
Magician's companion Schahla Aalam
Dadi Jerry Smith
Giordan Maurice Maurin
Church soloist Catherine Brun
Running time -- 80 minutes
No MPAA rating...
The exquisitely photographed 80-minute import is a lyrical account of the adventures of a homeless boy in Nice, France. Released by Maine-based specialty distributor Shadow, "Mondo" is a not-to-be-missed cinematic experience, but it will also find a well-deserved home on video.
Based on a story by revered French author J.M.G. Le Clezio, "Mondo" has the poignancy, simplicity and nascent spirituality reminiscent of works by Robert Bresson, and it also has the environs and sensual Mediterranean atmosphere of Nice. Inherently sad and critical of modern society, the story is uplifted throughout by the winning performances by mostly nonprofessionals.
No one knows where young Mondo (Ovidiu Balan) comes from. Alone, but savvy in the ways of petty thievery and making friends, Mondo is an innocent, nature-loving traveler who touches the lives of kindred souls. Although there is not much dialogue and no conventional dramatic thrust, the film is brilliantly evocative and timeless.
From a eerily beautiful scene where Mondo finds oranges covered with pleas from Algerian women written in Arabic floating in the surf to the unlucky fate of a friendly street musician (real-life tightrope master Philippe Petit) and his pretty companion (Schahla Aalam, a Turkish Kurd refugee), "Mondo" the film and character have compassion for all of humanity, even the dreaded "Ciapacan" (dogcatcher).
With a superb soundtrack and marvelous supporting turns by Pierette Fesch as a wise woman in a spectacular home, real-life homeless man Jerry Smith as a weary old soul and Maurice Maurin as Mondo's fisherman friend and teacher, "Mondo" soars to sublime heights of pathos and entertainment when it works in an inspiring church choir soloist (Catherine Brun) and takes the time to show Petit's character at work.
Writer-director Gatlif and cinematographer Eric Guichard save the best moments for the remarkable lead. With an unbeatable smile, 11-year-old Balan is a Rumanian gypsy and he plays Mondo as smart and fearless, lonely and yearning for culture, seeking beauty in the world he inhabits. A wonder-filled work of art, Mondo's fable is a visual feast and powerfully moving celebration of life.
MONDO
Shadow Distribution
In association with Upstate Films
KG Prods. with the participation of Canal Plus
A film by Tony Gatlif
Writer-director Tony Gatlif
Producer Michele Ray-Gavras
Cinematographer Eric Guichard
Editor Nicole D.V. Berckmans
Set designer Denis Mercier
Color/stereo
Cast:
Mondo Ovidiu Balan
Magician Philippe Petit
Thi-Chin Pierette Fesch
Magician's companion Schahla Aalam
Dadi Jerry Smith
Giordan Maurice Maurin
Church soloist Catherine Brun
Running time -- 80 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 6/30/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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