Through the simple event of a Senegalese man receiving a money order from his nephew working in Paris, we see so much of his world, starting with his relationships with his two wives, and how his family and his neighbors live meal to meal. There is a sense of humanity in the giving and sharing that takes place when someone is in need, but there are also many examples of predatory behavior, and indeed, it's the latter that ultimately begins to dominate. The man embarks on an odyssey through bureaucrats, con men, greedy friends, and money lenders. Many people come to him because their own children haven't recently eaten, but he owes many others, and is only actually entitled to a fraction of the money order, assuming he can cash it in the first place.
It's pretty striking how this man absolutely rules the roost over his wives at home, but is almost helpless in a world that is modernizing around him. He's been unemployed for four years, can't read (at least the French he needs to), and is often at the mercy of people far more savvy than him. In trying to get the proper forms filled out to get an identity card, which can then be used to cash the money order, he's asked for his date of birth, and he doesn't even know that, just that he was born "sometime around 1900." He can barely keep his oversized outfit from poofing out while walking around, a contrast to how elegant his wives are while they stroll around. He's a petty tyrant at home, threatening his wives with a backhand and having them wait on him, hardly a sympathetic figure, but almost a child in the world, and it's hard not to empathize with his growing humiliation.
Eight years into its independence, there is a criticism of Senegal here - how French was still the official language despite most of its citizens only speaking Wolof or Arabic, how women were being treated, how good people lived in poverty, and how layers of corruption existed in the system, including the new bourgeoisie. There is quite a contrast to the modern home of the man's nephew, and it's soul crushing how he takes advantage of his own uncle, perhaps the ultimate statement from Sembene of capitalism devouring people.
On top of its sociopolitical messages, this is a beautiful film. The colors in the fabrics and décor are rich and gorgeous, and the traditional music composed by Sembène is a treat to listen to. The film moves along with good pace, and the storytelling isn't forced or preachy. Quite a nice little find.
It's pretty striking how this man absolutely rules the roost over his wives at home, but is almost helpless in a world that is modernizing around him. He's been unemployed for four years, can't read (at least the French he needs to), and is often at the mercy of people far more savvy than him. In trying to get the proper forms filled out to get an identity card, which can then be used to cash the money order, he's asked for his date of birth, and he doesn't even know that, just that he was born "sometime around 1900." He can barely keep his oversized outfit from poofing out while walking around, a contrast to how elegant his wives are while they stroll around. He's a petty tyrant at home, threatening his wives with a backhand and having them wait on him, hardly a sympathetic figure, but almost a child in the world, and it's hard not to empathize with his growing humiliation.
Eight years into its independence, there is a criticism of Senegal here - how French was still the official language despite most of its citizens only speaking Wolof or Arabic, how women were being treated, how good people lived in poverty, and how layers of corruption existed in the system, including the new bourgeoisie. There is quite a contrast to the modern home of the man's nephew, and it's soul crushing how he takes advantage of his own uncle, perhaps the ultimate statement from Sembene of capitalism devouring people.
On top of its sociopolitical messages, this is a beautiful film. The colors in the fabrics and décor are rich and gorgeous, and the traditional music composed by Sembène is a treat to listen to. The film moves along with good pace, and the storytelling isn't forced or preachy. Quite a nice little find.