For the first time in many, many years, I'm giving a 10 out of 10. In 2006 one of the movie producers composed a song about this family and this story. The same "rapper" is also in the movie and this is the story about his family and being accepted in the 70s in the middle of a conservative nowhere. Anyway. He might not be the best movie made but it made me laugh and the end made me cry. I loved it and I was expecting this for a very long time. Merci Kamini.
28 Reviews
A Comedic, Rose-Colored Glasses Version of a True Story
nelsong21 November 2016
Summary: A medical student in Paris, originally from Africa (Zaire/Congo, to be specific), turns down the opportunity to return to his homeland and work for the ruling kleptocracy. Instead, in pursuit of French residency, he agrees to set up a practice in a small town in rural France. Hilarity ensues.
No, really. Believe it or not, the film is largely a comedy. The writers (including the real-life son of the main character) made a clear choice to make this film as light-hearted as possible. Frankly, that was a stiff challenge. The film could easily have been far darker. Perhaps it should have been - but that would be a different film.
Dr. Zantoko (Marc Zinga in an impressive, enjoyable performance) takes on xenophobia, racism, annoying in-laws, marital strife, parenthood, unpaid bills, and small-town politics, rarely letting any of it get him down.
Zantoko's family (Aissa Maiga, Bayron Lebli, and Medina Diarra) also turn in winning performances.
I was less enamored with the performances of the townspeople. But that is probably colored by the negative characteristics they were called on to exhibit. So maybe they gave great performances??? (FWIW, Jonathan Lambert did a great job as the smarmy, back-stabbing politician.)
If I'm going to criticize something, it's the redemption arc for the town itself. This film tries to pull that off, with some unlikely deus-ex-machina events bringing everyone together for the happy ending.
I get it - the makers wanted an upbeat, feel-good film. Thing is, I've seen plenty of films where the charming, off-beat townsfolk eventually come together with the heroic outsider. Here, the film only made half the sale - I bought the family, but not the town.
The townspeople here aren't charming or off-beat - they're just xenophobic imbeciles. And frankly, if they were anything close to what was shown here, they DIDN'T deserve Dr. Zantoko, in the film or in real life.
But don't let that criticism steer you away. All in all, this was an enjoyable view into worlds that you don't see in American cinema at all, and only rarely in French cinema.
No, really. Believe it or not, the film is largely a comedy. The writers (including the real-life son of the main character) made a clear choice to make this film as light-hearted as possible. Frankly, that was a stiff challenge. The film could easily have been far darker. Perhaps it should have been - but that would be a different film.
Dr. Zantoko (Marc Zinga in an impressive, enjoyable performance) takes on xenophobia, racism, annoying in-laws, marital strife, parenthood, unpaid bills, and small-town politics, rarely letting any of it get him down.
Zantoko's family (Aissa Maiga, Bayron Lebli, and Medina Diarra) also turn in winning performances.
I was less enamored with the performances of the townspeople. But that is probably colored by the negative characteristics they were called on to exhibit. So maybe they gave great performances??? (FWIW, Jonathan Lambert did a great job as the smarmy, back-stabbing politician.)
If I'm going to criticize something, it's the redemption arc for the town itself. This film tries to pull that off, with some unlikely deus-ex-machina events bringing everyone together for the happy ending.
I get it - the makers wanted an upbeat, feel-good film. Thing is, I've seen plenty of films where the charming, off-beat townsfolk eventually come together with the heroic outsider. Here, the film only made half the sale - I bought the family, but not the town.
The townspeople here aren't charming or off-beat - they're just xenophobic imbeciles. And frankly, if they were anything close to what was shown here, they DIDN'T deserve Dr. Zantoko, in the film or in real life.
But don't let that criticism steer you away. All in all, this was an enjoyable view into worlds that you don't see in American cinema at all, and only rarely in French cinema.
A timely reminder for us.
Sachin_Chavan14 January 2017
A film for our times, though based on true story decades ago. A black Congolese doctor relocates to French countryside with his family and face racial distancing by the locals. It's an uplifting story on how the father and the kids turn both the locals and their mother too with their talents and unconditionality. In current times when divisive tendencies are on the upswing, we need more such reinforcements.
The movie is a simple one, perhaps made with modest means. But it is highly effective at what it attempts.
The acting, especially of the female lead is very good. And the kids as well as the male lead are delightful. The villagers all play their role well.
The movie is a simple one, perhaps made with modest means. But it is highly effective at what it attempts.
The acting, especially of the female lead is very good. And the kids as well as the male lead are delightful. The villagers all play their role well.
True Comedic Story
tristanh-2490027 February 2017
What could have easily been a bleak outlook on racism and the struggle for acceptance by an African Doctor and his family in a small village turns into a fun and light-hearted comedy the whole family can enjoy.
With its comedic ups and downs, and a standout cast playing the family, this movie is a fun, good-quality time guarantee.
With its comedic ups and downs, and a standout cast playing the family, this movie is a fun, good-quality time guarantee.
Important story, solid movie
blumdeluxe1 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"Bienvenue à Marly-Gomont" deals with the mayor of a small village in France, who has been searching for a doctor to run his office in his hometown for years. When he meets a young African student of medicine, he hesitates to offer him the job but finally agrees to test the waters. What follows is a story of stereotypes, racism, mutual understanding and warmth.
First of all I think that the choice to make a film out of the biography of this special man is a right one. It's one of those most people never heard of but one that can evoke questions and possibly even changes. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the film's attempts to be a part-time comedy because they take a bit of its magic away. Instead, I would have preferred a more sensere approach, to support the rollercoaster of feelings this family had to face. But otherwise time flies by watching this movie and it is sometimes good to tell a story of hope in somehow desperate times.
All in all this is a solid film with a beautiful background that sows that integration is tough on both sides but can create true beauty and strong bonds.
First of all I think that the choice to make a film out of the biography of this special man is a right one. It's one of those most people never heard of but one that can evoke questions and possibly even changes. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the film's attempts to be a part-time comedy because they take a bit of its magic away. Instead, I would have preferred a more sensere approach, to support the rollercoaster of feelings this family had to face. But otherwise time flies by watching this movie and it is sometimes good to tell a story of hope in somehow desperate times.
All in all this is a solid film with a beautiful background that sows that integration is tough on both sides but can create true beauty and strong bonds.
Current events elevate the material here, but it's a good film nonetheless
Horst_In_Translation9 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Bienvenue à Marly-Gomont" or "The African Doctor" is a French 95-minute movie from 2016. It premiered last summer in France already, but took almost a year to get here to Germany. It is directed by Julien Rambaldi and he is also among the three writers who worked on the script for this one. And with current events (refugee crisis, rise of nationalism in Europe and the USA), the subject is really relevant these days too, even if it plays several decades in the past. Actually with the French election several days ago and the two extremely different candidates, it could hardly be any more relevant now. This film depicts the life of an African who studied medicine in France and ends up as the village doctor in a little place in the countryside in the North of Paris. The film depicts the struggles from both sides. On the one hand we have the family, his wife and kids, who have their own struggles in adapting to life far far away from their home and also getting along with what is really xenophobia and what is nothing serious. On the other hand, there is the local townsfolk and most of them are really really biased when it comes to the new doctor. The consequence is that for the most part of the film, there are simply no patients, but there are huge phone bills as the wife keeps calling her relatives. Luckily thanks to the help of a farm worked and a pregnancy and birth at the right time things take a turn for the better at some point. But there are still obstacles like the law getting in the way of the protagonist's profession in the generic major conflict that every movie has towards the end.
I must say I enjoyed the film for the most part. There are strengths and weaknesses and the film needs a little while to get going, but all in all it is a rewarding watch. I liked for example how the movie did not depict the white guys in here as evil or truly racist, but they were just unable to cope with the new situation. I even think the bad guy, the one who wants to be major is not really racist (maybe his aide is), but just power hungry. And actually, the movie also refers the bad situation in the central character's home country and shows how cruel and ruthless people make it big there with the one guy at the dinner table. So the blacks also have bad seed among them. This reference also can be seen in the white bull scene, which was perhaps the best and most metaphoric moment of the entire movie because it was such a great parallel about the Black man and how the white beast perceives him. The bull wasn't evil, just confused and there was a good proverb at one point too about how people are scared of what they don't know. The second this fear vanishes is the moment his doctor's office has many people there.
I also think the comedy wasn't bad there, for example the gospel scene at the church or the two sick guys who come first to the doctor's office, even if the ending of this scene was of course pretty negative. So even if not all the intended funny scenes worked out properly, you can get some solid laughs while watching I believe. Other weaknesses include the football daughter part near the end, which was a bit weak and unrealistic in my opinion, even if the general idea of using football to make a bridge that helps against the prejudice was a nice one. I also think the attempts by the filmmakers to include shades in the characters, to keep them from being entirely good or evil, black or white (no pun intended), did not always work out to a satisfying degree. However, some of it did work out, so there is nothing so bad in this movie that it was a negative deal breaker. And the very ending was actually a bit on the touching side too and made me curious about the central character's life. Of course, real-life references always help. With this movie here, France showed Germany again how to make a quality comedy on a subject that is still important today. Shame on us we have to live with garbage like "Willkommen bei den Hartmanns" being the "best" out there. I recommend "Bienvenue à Marly-Gomont", certainly worth checking out.
I must say I enjoyed the film for the most part. There are strengths and weaknesses and the film needs a little while to get going, but all in all it is a rewarding watch. I liked for example how the movie did not depict the white guys in here as evil or truly racist, but they were just unable to cope with the new situation. I even think the bad guy, the one who wants to be major is not really racist (maybe his aide is), but just power hungry. And actually, the movie also refers the bad situation in the central character's home country and shows how cruel and ruthless people make it big there with the one guy at the dinner table. So the blacks also have bad seed among them. This reference also can be seen in the white bull scene, which was perhaps the best and most metaphoric moment of the entire movie because it was such a great parallel about the Black man and how the white beast perceives him. The bull wasn't evil, just confused and there was a good proverb at one point too about how people are scared of what they don't know. The second this fear vanishes is the moment his doctor's office has many people there.
I also think the comedy wasn't bad there, for example the gospel scene at the church or the two sick guys who come first to the doctor's office, even if the ending of this scene was of course pretty negative. So even if not all the intended funny scenes worked out properly, you can get some solid laughs while watching I believe. Other weaknesses include the football daughter part near the end, which was a bit weak and unrealistic in my opinion, even if the general idea of using football to make a bridge that helps against the prejudice was a nice one. I also think the attempts by the filmmakers to include shades in the characters, to keep them from being entirely good or evil, black or white (no pun intended), did not always work out to a satisfying degree. However, some of it did work out, so there is nothing so bad in this movie that it was a negative deal breaker. And the very ending was actually a bit on the touching side too and made me curious about the central character's life. Of course, real-life references always help. With this movie here, France showed Germany again how to make a quality comedy on a subject that is still important today. Shame on us we have to live with garbage like "Willkommen bei den Hartmanns" being the "best" out there. I recommend "Bienvenue à Marly-Gomont", certainly worth checking out.
Great movie!
jannahjoy25 June 2019
This movie was heart-warming, funny, sad, and eye-opening, all at once. Showing the difficulties faced by an African family in rural France, in being accepted into the community. It's been on my watch list for a long time, and I'm glad I finally took the time to get around to watching it!
Relatively clean, so would be appropriate for children who are old enough to have discussion and understanding of the themes in the movie.
Touching movie about the efforts of a African doctor to integrate into provincial French society
romjansen29 April 2017
The African Doctor nicely depicts the struggle in which a late 20th century African immigrant may find himself while trying to settle in provincial Europe. The cultural clashes are very funny to watch, but sometimes they seem a bit overdone. Nonetheless I think the struggle hits pretty close to reality. Without being a depressing movie, The African Doctor delivers quite a touching story.
Few kinks but a great watch
samabc-3195228 March 2021
Although racism was and to some extent is quite deep-seated in USA but there are still few pockets in France where it does prevail. The prejudice however, is not entrenched. This is a light-hearted film based on the life of Seyolo Zantoko, the father of the musician, Congolese French rapper Kamini... there may be few kinks but it is a great watch.
Brilliant satire about race, culture and living as an immigrant within a different society!
anelia_koleva23 November 2017
Absolutely loved this charming and light-hearted satire!
A lovely family friendly perspective on race and living as an immigrant in an unwelcoming community. The daily challenges that the main characters face make for a touching tale that will make you laugh and cry.
As an expat myself, I can definitely relate on a personal level with the incredibly truthful way this film portrays the challenges of trying to immerse within a new and very different society.
A lovely family friendly perspective on race and living as an immigrant in an unwelcoming community. The daily challenges that the main characters face make for a touching tale that will make you laugh and cry.
As an expat myself, I can definitely relate on a personal level with the incredibly truthful way this film portrays the challenges of trying to immerse within a new and very different society.
Nothing at all surprising.
gnatsong4 May 2021
French Doc Martin meets Africa in a heartwarming film
maccas-5636711 January 2020
Such a beautiful heartwarming French film. If you like 'Doc Martin' and French comedies, then you'll love this, which is like a combination of them both.
The fact it's based on a true story just makes it even more enjoyable. The performances were great, and while it took me a little to get into, once I did, it was like being wrapped up in a comfy blanket. It has a lighthearted vibe and managed to juggle humour with sensitive racial issues effectively.
At times it even reminded me of 'The Vicar of Dibley' - if the village had received an African doctor instead of female vicar. It has a really nice score throughout, and enough emotional scenes to ensure Kleenex never runs out of business. The final scenes in particular were a fitting climax and great way to finish what was an enjoyable story.
I'm a sucker for triumph over adversity stories, and The African Doctor is a fantastic little film with a big heart.
The fact it's based on a true story just makes it even more enjoyable. The performances were great, and while it took me a little to get into, once I did, it was like being wrapped up in a comfy blanket. It has a lighthearted vibe and managed to juggle humour with sensitive racial issues effectively.
At times it even reminded me of 'The Vicar of Dibley' - if the village had received an African doctor instead of female vicar. It has a really nice score throughout, and enough emotional scenes to ensure Kleenex never runs out of business. The final scenes in particular were a fitting climax and great way to finish what was an enjoyable story.
I'm a sucker for triumph over adversity stories, and The African Doctor is a fantastic little film with a big heart.
Delightful!
rps-25 August 2017
A wonderful Movie.Funny.Sad.Inspiring. Honest.Not only is the (true) story intriguing, the scenes are compelling and the casting superb. It is essentially the story of a black doctor from the Congo who had been educated in France who accepts a position as the town doctor in a small farm community north of Paris but is himself not accepted by the locals, most of whom have never even seen a black person. It is very well put to-gether and the end product is a film that entices and entertains. In addition to the principals, there is a superb cast of the local characters, some of whom are indeed characters. It will tug your heart, tickle your funny bone and stimulate your mind.
A very good and touching story.
zutterjp4830 December 2019
This film is based on the real story of Seyolo Zantoko, a doctor of Congolese origin who installed his doctor's office in the village of Marly-Gomont amnd stayed there with his famille from 1970 to 2009.
A touching story telling the integration of this family in this village with humour (the white cows looking at Anne , the man explaining what is a leek): little by little the family begins to be accepted and appreciated by the people of Marly-Gomont.
The performances of Marc Zinga (Seyolo Zantoko) and Aïssa Maïga (Anne Santoko) are excellent, so as the performances of the French actors and actresses.
A lititle clunky
fmwongmd30 October 2018
Heartwarming!
laurajayme27 November 2018
What? No disgruntled and bitter undercarriage?
cordenw9 June 2021
This is a lovely film. A lesson on how to overcome life's setbacks and prejudices, take it on the chin, rise above it all and succeed.
You'd never, ever, get a movie like this in America because it doesn't blame anyone and it places personal responsibility for progress on the dispossessed.
We've seen the theme many times where Blacks or Indians or Asians are sent by fate into an alien society and this story unfolds to show how the prejudices of the locals are overcome.
This French Ciné does it perfectly and I have to say that both the French and the Italians have a knack of presenting these stories in very heartwarming and forgiving ways. Maybe it's from their respective years of colonial rule... who knows why?
The Black African doctor and his family arrive from Zaire to take up a post in a rural French village and of course nobody can accept it. Undeterred, the Doctor does everything he can to win the confidence and friendship of the villagers and he does so with his personal charm and the innocence of his wife and kids.
If only it could be that easy in the rest of the world, the newspapers and TV news channels would be out of business!
Superb acting by Marc Zinga and Aissa Maiga carry the movie along and the kids are as cute as buttons. Many scenes have you biting your lip with emotion and it won't spoil anything to tell you that you'll feel pretty good about humanity at the end.
Well worth watching, 'cos it will teach you that there is a way out of the current racial roadblock.
You'd never, ever, get a movie like this in America because it doesn't blame anyone and it places personal responsibility for progress on the dispossessed.
We've seen the theme many times where Blacks or Indians or Asians are sent by fate into an alien society and this story unfolds to show how the prejudices of the locals are overcome.
This French Ciné does it perfectly and I have to say that both the French and the Italians have a knack of presenting these stories in very heartwarming and forgiving ways. Maybe it's from their respective years of colonial rule... who knows why?
The Black African doctor and his family arrive from Zaire to take up a post in a rural French village and of course nobody can accept it. Undeterred, the Doctor does everything he can to win the confidence and friendship of the villagers and he does so with his personal charm and the innocence of his wife and kids.
If only it could be that easy in the rest of the world, the newspapers and TV news channels would be out of business!
Superb acting by Marc Zinga and Aissa Maiga carry the movie along and the kids are as cute as buttons. Many scenes have you biting your lip with emotion and it won't spoil anything to tell you that you'll feel pretty good about humanity at the end.
Well worth watching, 'cos it will teach you that there is a way out of the current racial roadblock.
A refreshing comedy
mmaaddllyy22 May 2020
A great family movie to depict a very difficult start for this family. Great writing to describe
humble pride, lightness and forgiveness.
The lead character is excellent. The build-up of his emotions is very well built. I just shouted of rage at the same as he did in complete symbiosis with his struggles! Haha
Sappy movie for dullards
seamallowance17 November 2020
Embarrassing to watch. Could have been so much better had they simply not talked down to the audience. Reminded me of the crass movies that come out of Hollywood. I wish that I had that time back. Good actors, lousy direction that will probably have the cast leave this film off their resumes.
Uplifting family-friendly fun.
adam11111127 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This is a a very pleasant film. It portrays an Congolese doctor, and his family that immigrate to Marly-Gomont in la France profounde and the struggles they face. It is not a dark tale of racism, but it does portray a genuine family's struggle with genuine prejudice. The film is vivid in its cinematographic contrasts. The grim and somber scene at the armistice memorial when the colorful loud Congolese family arrives is a cringe-worthy example. The rain and gray are disrupted by color, in this case African.
The end of the film is wonderfully satisfying as well.
(I saw this on March 14, 2017)
The end of the film is wonderfully satisfying as well.
(I saw this on March 14, 2017)
Heart, Humour, Beauty, and a complete lack of spices!
p.newhouse@talk21.com28 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I just fell in love again..... with a film! Bienvenue a Marly is a memoir of Zairean family, who emigrated to France in the seventies, because the father gets a job as a village doctor. It is a comic drama, with a lot of heart, wonder, and beauty, in spite of the problems the family face in an unreformed area chez les ch't'is (in the sticks), in northern France. Uplifting and Joyous!
Nice integration story
vielchristian26 July 2020
Fantastic movie
hddesdemona24 February 2021
Great movie, should of been nominated for awards as well as some recognition for an international film! I have watched this film over and over and I love it just as much the first time I had watched it. Where were the critics on this one? Clearly great movie missed for well deserved awards.
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