"Na Cidade Vazia" (Hollow City) effectively shows the destitution and the ruggedness of life in Luanda, Angola's capital. Our main character, N'Dala, is a wide-eyed, lost little boy in the big city, walking around with his "brinquedo" (toy) and meeting different characters. The premise isn't bad but it could be a little more interesting and better executed. At times the film just seems to drag with no purpose, rhyme or reason.
The side plot with the boy and the legend of the great Angolan warrior was a decent attempt at symbolism but it didn't pan out all the way. The ending is a bit unbelievable and off-beat as well.
The best thing about this film is that it shows the world Angola's small, but promising film industry. The country is one that has been torn apart by war and tragedy and there are plenty of stories to be told. I'm looking forward to Maria João Ganga's next film.
The side plot with the boy and the legend of the great Angolan warrior was a decent attempt at symbolism but it didn't pan out all the way. The ending is a bit unbelievable and off-beat as well.
The best thing about this film is that it shows the world Angola's small, but promising film industry. The country is one that has been torn apart by war and tragedy and there are plenty of stories to be told. I'm looking forward to Maria João Ganga's next film.