District 9

I'm impressed that a South Africa production was so eloquently able to disguise apartheid critique under a thick gory blanket of sci fi, the way it's meant to be done.  Plus Wikus Van De Merwe is such an awesome action hero, it's hard to not root for him as both a speciesist mid-level manager and a blood-thirsty killing machine.

For more commentary see my original review from 2009.

District 9
2009, 112 minutes, directed by Neill Blomkamp

Under African Skies

When Paul Simon heard the music of South Africa, his only desire was to meet the artists and record with them.  However, in doing so, he "violated" the cultural ban enacted to oppose apartheid.  Twenty-five years later he returns to South Africa to reunite the original band and perform a reunion concert, as well as meet a former African National Congress leader and lay the controversy to rest.

The film includes video of original recording sessions in South Africa, New York, and London, as well as video of the reunion rehearsals and concert and meetings between Paul and ANC leadership.  The one thing it lacked was full-length songs, leaving me hanging each time they fade out...

Under African Skies
2012, 108 minutes, directed by Joe Berlinger

Outbreak

I think this is the first film I've ever seen with Dustin Hoffman in the lead role.  In truth, he struggles somewhat as an archetypical "good guy" without a character to absorb.  He stars as USAMRIID agent investigating a new disease that has appeared in sub-Saharan Africa.  As it spreads to the United States, he struggles to find the source, save his wife, and fight the establishment determined to suppress the spread through any means necessary.

Outbreak
1995, 127 minutes, directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Viva Riva!

Hard.  Sensual.  Criminal.  Viva Riva!

As the first major film from the Congo, director Djo Munga could have struggled to find funding, support, talent.  Instead everything came together to produce this hard-hitting film of bigger-than-life life.  Funding came from multiple sources - France, Belgum, Africa.  The cast - with the exception of Manie Malone (Nora) - was drawn from within the Congo.  This wasn't the first African film I've seen, but it was certainly one of the best.  I look forward to more from this director.

Viva Riva!
2010, 96 minutes, directed by Djo Munga

Black

Who'd have thought that France would resurrect the funkiest of 70s genres - the blaxspoitation film - and remake it to such grand success? This film has all the traditional elements but feels fresh. Action. Adventure. Mysticism. Groovy Bass. Oh yeah.

Black
2009, 115 minutes, directed by Pierre Laffargue

Note to self: buy the soundtrack