Runtime: 98 minutes
Directed by: Med Hondo
Starring: Robert Liensol, Theo Legitmus, Gabriel Glissand, Bernard Fresson, Yane Barry
From: Grey Films/Shango Films
During each March Around the World event, many of the films I check out are from familiar countries which I have seen plenty from before. It is nice when I can view something from a less heralded filmmaking scene. In this case, it is a film from Med Hondo, from the west African country of Mauritania, not to be confused with the African island country of Mauritius. As many may not be able to locate Mauritania on a map, it is right below Morocco... or technically, the “disputed territory” of Western Sahara. Much of this was filmed in France but that was alright as there's YouTube if I want to see what life if like in the country; sadly, it's one of those African countries that have faced many struggles in the past few decades and are still mired in it now.
This tale is of a young adult male from the country who is able to emigrate to France; however, he explains discrimination and racism, whether blatant or subtle. I do not want to give too much else away; even if it is familiar themes, it was told in an interesting way as many different techniques were used to keep it fresh & engaging. There's some absurdist moments, dark comedy, a docudrama feel, obvious French New Wave influences, and more. The final act does have a surreal dreamlike vibe to it. As I say too often, the themes presented here are still all too real in these modern times; I can't say how things are in France but in the United States... O broaches difficult subjects yet isn't a punishing or agonizing viewing experience.
For a motion picture that was made for a small amount of cash and filmed over the span of several years, it was an intriguing and thoughtful film which can be relatable to anyone. Thankfully, Scorsese's World Cinema Project was the driving force behind the efforts for a 4K restoration of Soleil O (Oh, Sun in English) and is easily found on sites like the Criterion Channel.
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