eko123
It's surprising to see the number of rave reviews for this movie. As someone who is passionate and open-minded about all types of foreign cinema, I thought this movie was absolutely horrible with no redeeming value whatsoever.Not only was it overly long, but it seemed like the director only had a budget of $10 to film what turned out to be nothing more than a meandering, incoherent, pointless piece of drivel masquerading as high art. This movie barely has any plot and NO characterization whatsoever. Sadly, the only memorable thing in the movie is scenes of actual animals being killed, which is terrible.If, as other reviewers here have said this is how Africans see themselves, then is it any surprise African films don't get much exposure in the world market of cinema? I also completely disagree with the reviewer who said that people with long attention spans will enjoy this movie. It's more like anybody who's accustomed to such basic cinematic elements as story or character development will not enjoy "Yeelen" as it features neither.For a far superior film from a similar region in Africa, I would highly suggest Ousmane Sembene's "Moolaadé" from 2004. It too is filmed from an African perspective rather than a Western one...but it actually has a relevant, engaging storyline with fleshed-out characters for whom you actually care."Yeelen" on the other hand, is an excruciating, mind-numbing experience that I wouldn't even inflict on my worst enemy. It's as enjoyable as watching urine dry on a toilet seat.
nihao
Here is a great opportunity. The chance to discover how human beings were BEFORE getting trapped in the WEB (excuse the pun) of technology. Man's respect and position in/for nature, reminiscent of those ties which still (barely) exist amidst the Maoris and Eskimoes, and the surviving Indios. Africa, the mother of mankind. Magic, NOT as Hollywood sees it. And for N.Y. intellectuals and Viennese literati, a Freudian twist which is as old as Mythology. The Father/Son clash. This ranks alongside the best of Satyajit Ray, and , in some ways, shares his themes. This is Brother Africa as Ray is Sister India. This is the intense celebration of Man's strength, and of his weakness. An African masterpiece. A patient sequence of revelations. A real JEWEL. And if you are here, you are either a lucky newcomer or a lucky viewer. Thankyou Sissé. Thankyou Africa!
kelli-26
If you're looking to see a mythic quest about a boy who, struggling to become a man, travels throughout his country, taking on quests and facing difficulties while searching out his father, Yeelen is a good candidate. If you're looking for all of this within the context of Hollywood western life, complete with explosions, a fight scene, love affairs, and something scandalous and otherwise unnecessary, then go see something fresh out of Hollywood. No, this is not a film made in the western tradition as a previous comment harped upon, but made in the national cinema.Made in 1987 by a French film crew in Mali, Yeelen (or "Brightness") is a composition of old Mali myths put together to create a mythic quest of Nianankoro, a boy who travels to a distant uncle to find the second piece of the fabled Kore's Wing, needed to defeat his father who is set of taking his son's life. Throughout his journey, Nianankoro faces the daunting challenges of hunger and thirst, battling tribes, leopard-prophets, his father's wrath, and then his own final battle which eventually causes his death.Yeelen is primarily an art film which represents an important part of Mali mythology and culture with subtle political undertones. By entering this film and judging it with the idea that it is a "western movie," you will surely not enjoy it. Instead, enter it with an open mind. Dump all preconceptions of Hollywood, open yourself to international film, and enjoy the power messages that Yeelen sets upon myth, culture, and art.
Brabo
This fascinating and esthetically moving film should be seen by all who want to understand the deeper meaning of initiation and its role in a not-so-primitive society. It is useful if not indispensable to have some knowledge of sub Saharan Africa, and to realize that these Dogon and Peulh people not only have a detailed cosmogony but believe in reincarnation and know of stars we only see through a telescope. Their metaphysics were so powerful that one of the first Islamic universities, in Timbuctoo, was created for them. Aside from this, the directness and superior acting make Yeelen one of the Eighties' best cultural products.
AD
