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.
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.