Before watching this hard to classify film, one must try to find out why this film failed on all fronts. "Lili and the baobab" was a box office failure. It failed to make an impression on viewers too. One probable reason for all these failures could be that it was released at a time when majority of viewers were going gaga over overtly commercial films like "Les Bronzés 3" directed by Patrice Leconte. As "Lili and the baobab" cannot fit in the auteur film category, it was summarily rejected by a small minority of auteur cinema admirers too. As far as this film is concerned, a large portion of its narrative structure is based on Chantal Richard's personal experiences. Her film addresses the universal concept of individual freedom, friendship and desire to understand different cultures. On the one hand there is Lili-a young photographer from Cherbourg. She is in Africa for a photo assignment. On the other hand there is a young African woman Aminata whose life is in danger. She is in deep trouble as she has given birth to an illegitimate child. Lili wants to do something more than a simple photo assignment for African people.After returning to Cherbourg, she decides to provide all kind of emotional, financial support to Aminata. She also experiences how illegal immigrants live. It is through these generous acts that Lili is able to know her compassionate,kind self. It is nice to learn that such a personal film is still being made in contemporary France. What could be the reason ? Most of the people would guess that as French ruled over Africans in the past, it is quite natural for them to believe that it is their prerogative to make films related to African issues. In some ways, this stance may be termed as their way of getting rid of their not so holy past.
3 Reviews
Interesting movie
tua8440730 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Lili et Le Boabab was an extremely interesting and intellectual movie. It is well worth your while if you are looking for a good transnational film.
In my opinion this movie had more transnational symbols than most of the other movies we have watched. The clothing was probably the biggest transnational sign i noticed. The contrast between Lili's European clothes and the traditional African outfits was very blatant throughout the movie. As the movie progresses the clothes of the African people seem to become slightly more like Lili's. There was even a young boy who was wearing a Beckham jersey. Another transnational sign was Lili's camera. The African people became very excited to have their picture taken, which is something most Americans and Europeans do on a regular basis.
The conversation between Lili and the children in the village also showed huge differences between cultures. The children believed that Lili was sick because she was 33 and did not have children, while in the western world a 33 year old with no children would not be given a second thought. The T.V being brought to the village was also a big transnational sign.
Finally, the story itself was a transnational sign. A woman today is not banned from her home for having a baby out of wedlock in Europe or America. I was not surprised that this still occurs but it certainly highlights a big difference between cultures.
In my opinion this movie had more transnational symbols than most of the other movies we have watched. The clothing was probably the biggest transnational sign i noticed. The contrast between Lili's European clothes and the traditional African outfits was very blatant throughout the movie. As the movie progresses the clothes of the African people seem to become slightly more like Lili's. There was even a young boy who was wearing a Beckham jersey. Another transnational sign was Lili's camera. The African people became very excited to have their picture taken, which is something most Americans and Europeans do on a regular basis.
The conversation between Lili and the children in the village also showed huge differences between cultures. The children believed that Lili was sick because she was 33 and did not have children, while in the western world a 33 year old with no children would not be given a second thought. The T.V being brought to the village was also a big transnational sign.
Finally, the story itself was a transnational sign. A woman today is not banned from her home for having a baby out of wedlock in Europe or America. I was not surprised that this still occurs but it certainly highlights a big difference between cultures.
Awesomeness
yardie21730 April 2009
This movie is an excellent example of Transnational Cinema. It shows the world that we can effect people just by the little things we do. I recommend this movie to any one who loves foreign films. If you have never watched a foreign film, this would be a great movie to watch because it is easy to follow. The Dynamic relationship between Aminata and Lili is very interesting to watch. I recommend this to anyone. I have never heard of twin cities before this. its all about opening yourself to different cultures. Sometimes you find comfort in another country and find friends in people with differing vent backgrounds. Watch the film and learn about the different cultures in this village. the movie was shot in an actual village in Senegal, which is very interesting ad makes the movie look a bit more natural than a lot of other foreign films. The storyline of the movie is actually taken from the directors life.
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