Five youngsters travel across the African continent to reach the opening games of the world cup. Starting in Kigali, Rwanda, talented teenage footballer Fabrice catches the eye of a talent scout who invites him to play at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. His appointed 'manager' Dudu, played by the hyper Eriya Ndayambaje , hustles him to the nearest bus station and on to the wrong bus. Towing his best friend Beatrice along the three friends decide to walk to the games. If the premise is unbelievable, bear in mind this is a children's / family film and it seems churlish to criticise it too harshly. It throws in a certain amount of realism through entirely location shooting with nice shots of the semi urban landscape of Kigali and a motor park. However this is an Africa which appears slightly too clean for someone whose been there. Where are the piles of plastic rubbish blocking up the open drains? Eriya Ddayanbaje's lead performance of Dudu does begin to grate after a while but works for the target audience. The group of teenagers behind me were giggling away constantly although I felt at times I was watching a safer sex education film, the condom message is so overstated. While well meaning it does continue the idea that everyone in Africa has HIV. This is a serious issue and while HIV affects the lives of many Africans, most people on the continent don't have HIV. Along the journey Dudu and Fabrice meet Foreman George, a former child soldier, a smouldering and moody performance from Yves Dusenge somewhat wasted on this film. No background is furnished, we're simply given this character, taken for granted he's a traumatised kid. No context is given as to how the child soldier phenomenon emerges and its easy for a audience of teenagers to go away from this film imagining that Africa consists of AIDS orphans, child soldiers or teenage sex workers. Without diminishing any of these problems it needs to be remembered the child soldier phenomenon emerged from particular areas of Africa, it isn't and hasn't been continent wide. The conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), largely ignored by the rest of the world, is fuelled by the demand for minerals and the interplay between conflict, child soldiers and global neo liberal capitalism is never alluded to in this film. Maybe thats too much to expect of a children's film but it's frustrating for an audience to bring in the child soldier thing and then not expand it. A similar reluctance takes place to expand the character of Celeste, who when we meet her is a sex worker at a bar on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This lake borders DRC, again there isn't any context given about the situation here, the complex interplay of colonial histories, exploitation of mineral wealth fuelling conflicts, the ongoing abuses of women such as rape used as a method of control and coercion and so on. Maybe this is too much to ask of a children's film but don't just allude to an issue, give it some proper background. While the film rams home a message that the young people are a team, they all stick together, collaborating for a shared purpose, it ultimately upholds the notion of individualism. Fabrice gets to the World Cup Opening ceremony. His friends conveniently go their own ways. In place of collaborative interdependence, Africa United substitutes neo liberalism, embodied in the spectacle of the world cup, to offer up a facsimile of togetherness. The final shots emphasise Fabrice, close up, walking into the stadium. No mention here of the street traders swept away for the building of the stadium, the homes demolished, the squatters evicted...
26 Reviews
A funny film
tabathou16 May 2011
To me Africa United is a good and funny film, in spite of the hard topics of horror and terror in Africa. It made me smile and laugh, especially Dudu. It's a fresh film, with a lot of energy and adventure. It offers a good vision of friendship. It's very entertaining and the soundtrack is brilliant and cool, it made me sing! A lot of different feelings and emotions are in this film, so it's very poignant. And there is a very good cast with young but good and professionals actors. But, it's not the film of the year, because the story is a little bit thin, it's more for children. But, if you want to spend good time... GO AND SEE IT!
A Victory For The Kids
gabrielrhys19 October 2010
Africa United is a joyful, winning film that manages to entertain (people were laughing and crying in the theatre) whilst raising serious issues with a light, humorous touch. It's weaknesses (a slight amateurish quality and hurried pace) are more than balanced by its strengths. It looks and sounds authentically African and what it lacks in sophistication it makes up for with wit, charm and emotion. The slight madcap style is enhanced by the story within the story and a terrific soundtrack. In the end it gives a voice to young, black Africans and shows us an Africa few will ever get to see. It's being called the Africa Slumdog; but whilst it may not have the slick bravura of that film, it has more heart, humour and maybe integrity.
Well worth the wait
cgmckie21 October 2010
Thoroughly enjoyed the development of the children's characters, which at first was slow but well worth the wait. This film is a fantastic journey through some serious issues that should not have to be tackled by those so young and ended up being a well balanced, emotionally engaging, film.
The world inside Dudu's head was also a highlight and credit must go to Directors Debs Gardner-Paterson and Simon Willows for being so thorough in their research on how this might play out. Brilliant! All that and more plus the fact that this film was made on less money than I pay in rent in a year (well almost), makes it even more satisfying.
I will go again and not hesitate to recommend it to others.
The world inside Dudu's head was also a highlight and credit must go to Directors Debs Gardner-Paterson and Simon Willows for being so thorough in their research on how this might play out. Brilliant! All that and more plus the fact that this film was made on less money than I pay in rent in a year (well almost), makes it even more satisfying.
I will go again and not hesitate to recommend it to others.
The British Africa!
playnaughty17 October 2010
I spent the first twenty years of my life in Burundi and sincerely hope the British cinema audience do not believe this saccharine-soaked film represents Africa's proud and brave heart.
The director of this film is quick to claim her heritage as 'fourth-generation Rwandan' but genetics alone cannot imbue a heart with African spirit. She still views our culture through British eyes and standards, still feels pity in the perceived unfavourable comparisons. One day a filmmaker will just let us be 'people' - not victims, clowns or the underdogs always searching for more than we have.
However, I do agree that the soundtrack was brilliant. Full of authentic energy and life. I am still singing its songs now, but trying to erase the images they accompanied.
The director of this film is quick to claim her heritage as 'fourth-generation Rwandan' but genetics alone cannot imbue a heart with African spirit. She still views our culture through British eyes and standards, still feels pity in the perceived unfavourable comparisons. One day a filmmaker will just let us be 'people' - not victims, clowns or the underdogs always searching for more than we have.
However, I do agree that the soundtrack was brilliant. Full of authentic energy and life. I am still singing its songs now, but trying to erase the images they accompanied.
Brilliant!
caroline-musgrave24 October 2010
I loved every minute of this fantastic film! It is packed full of energy, passion and adventure brought together by an inspiring young cast and brilliant soundtrack.
As a former resident of Kigali and visitor to many of the places on route, I enjoyed the beautifully shot footage of stunning Africa and felt transported back to the energy of the places I visited and people I met.
The child actors were excellent, telling big stories with a striking honesty and simplicity. I laughed out loud at Dudu's one liners and wiped away a tear as George's story unfolded. A truly brilliant movie and one I will be talking about for a long time to come. My nephews will love it and my friends will love it, it is a film that spans the generations and offers something fun, engaging and insightful for everyone.
As a former resident of Kigali and visitor to many of the places on route, I enjoyed the beautifully shot footage of stunning Africa and felt transported back to the energy of the places I visited and people I met.
The child actors were excellent, telling big stories with a striking honesty and simplicity. I laughed out loud at Dudu's one liners and wiped away a tear as George's story unfolded. A truly brilliant movie and one I will be talking about for a long time to come. My nephews will love it and my friends will love it, it is a film that spans the generations and offers something fun, engaging and insightful for everyone.
A disaster that happened
nicholas-p-daniels12 April 2012
I can see why Africa United would appeal to children, especially those who have never set foot in Africa. But for anyone over the age of 14, or with the slightest experience of the continent being depicted, I would advise them to avoid this cartoon of a film.
The acting is forced, rigid, and in many places just irritating. The same can be said for the storyline. Cheap attempts to popularise the characters using witty retorts or stoicism only rendered them devoid of credibility. The characters' perfect diction and rehearsed theatrics killed off any hope of believing in them as people, or issues, or even Africans.
The narrative develops by layer upon layer of predictable clichés - warlords, HIV/AIDS, rude immigration officials, and of course football - interspersed with cheesy triumphalism (i.e. kids beating the baddies) that destroyed any sense of realism about the plight of disadvantaged African youths.
Picturesque countrysides, attractive smiling faces and brightly coloured markets were aplenty, so at least the camera work brought life to an otherwise moribund story. The only other redeeming features were the soundtrack and its 88 minutes runtime. 'Extraordinary story' this was not.
As noted elsewhere, 'One day a filmmaker will just let us be 'people' - not victims, clowns or the underdogs always searching for more than we have'.
This was more 'Sentimentalism United' than any story about football or Africa, as it could and should have been. A great opportunity missed.
The acting is forced, rigid, and in many places just irritating. The same can be said for the storyline. Cheap attempts to popularise the characters using witty retorts or stoicism only rendered them devoid of credibility. The characters' perfect diction and rehearsed theatrics killed off any hope of believing in them as people, or issues, or even Africans.
The narrative develops by layer upon layer of predictable clichés - warlords, HIV/AIDS, rude immigration officials, and of course football - interspersed with cheesy triumphalism (i.e. kids beating the baddies) that destroyed any sense of realism about the plight of disadvantaged African youths.
Picturesque countrysides, attractive smiling faces and brightly coloured markets were aplenty, so at least the camera work brought life to an otherwise moribund story. The only other redeeming features were the soundtrack and its 88 minutes runtime. 'Extraordinary story' this was not.
As noted elsewhere, 'One day a filmmaker will just let us be 'people' - not victims, clowns or the underdogs always searching for more than we have'.
This was more 'Sentimentalism United' than any story about football or Africa, as it could and should have been. A great opportunity missed.
Funny and heart warming film that's well worth a watch
andy-voyce20 October 2010
Africa United is a fantastic film that all ages will enjoy. It doesn't shy away from tackling some of the real issues that face the continent, but encapsulates it in a terrific story with great humour (some real laugh out loud moments) and brilliant soundtrack. It not only provides for an excellent and entertaining film but the creativity of the direction and production really makes these issues accessible particularly to a younger audience. The film has received amazing receptions at both the Toronto and BFI film festivals and has been getting great press in the UK as it hits the screens this weekend. In my view it's thoroughly deserved as is its comparisons as the African Slumdog. I'm certainly encouraging everyone I know to go see this great film and hope you will too.
A million miles from Hollywood geographically and metaphorically
rogerdarlington13 April 2011
This is not a blockbuster film with a mega publicity budget, but what attracted me to such an independent work was that the writer Rhidian Brook is the son of a colleague of mine on the UK's Communications Consumer Panel. I'm pleased that I made the effort to see the movie because it is original in subject matter and talent and refreshing in both content and delivery.
Everything about it is different from the usual Hollywood fare. The British director Debs Gardner-Paterson is fourth- generation Rwandan, all the central roles are taken by African children, and all the wonderful locations are in Africa.
Essentially it is a road movie with a bunch of kids determined to travel from Rwanda to South Africa in order to be at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. Although there is sharp dialogue and much humour, serious issues are touched upon, ranging from child soldiers to HIV/AIDS.
Everything about it is different from the usual Hollywood fare. The British director Debs Gardner-Paterson is fourth- generation Rwandan, all the central roles are taken by African children, and all the wonderful locations are in Africa.
Essentially it is a road movie with a bunch of kids determined to travel from Rwanda to South Africa in order to be at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. Although there is sharp dialogue and much humour, serious issues are touched upon, ranging from child soldiers to HIV/AIDS.
A different, to your tastes piece
wellthatswhatithinkanyway4 April 2011
STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
This small, independent piece aimed for family viewing is quite ambitious in it's own little way, a familiar tale of underdogs with an impossible dream chasing it no matter what circumstances set against the backdrop of one of Africa's smallest countries. It's certainly a very spirited romp, with enough dash and colour in it to make it stand out, and not afraid to tackle some darker areas while it's at it. Somehow, at just under an hour and a half, it still somehow fails to hold together and really come into one as a story, but you can't fault the good intentions behind it and you could see far worse stuff like it. **
This small, independent piece aimed for family viewing is quite ambitious in it's own little way, a familiar tale of underdogs with an impossible dream chasing it no matter what circumstances set against the backdrop of one of Africa's smallest countries. It's certainly a very spirited romp, with enough dash and colour in it to make it stand out, and not afraid to tackle some darker areas while it's at it. Somehow, at just under an hour and a half, it still somehow fails to hold together and really come into one as a story, but you can't fault the good intentions behind it and you could see far worse stuff like it. **
A unique take on a difficult subject
lwjcds20 October 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of 'Africa United'. Full of energy, humour, colour, passion - it kept me hooked from start to finish. I laughed many times, and ended with a slightly moist eye that I had to hastily conceal from my partner sitting next to me.
The film received a 5-minute standing ovation at the end.
I think first and foremost this is a family film. It's not a forensic study of Africa's social or political problems, nor is it a realistic portrayal of the everyday lives of ordinary Africans. Critics complaining about this seem to have missed the point.
It's a road movie about the passion and courage of young people. It's magical, like a fairy story. The fact that it's set in Africa enriches this sense of magic - and offers interesting opportunities to explore difficult issues in the context of a family movie. But it's not a commentary on Africa - it's about a group of young people who do something extraordinary in an extraordinary place.
The fact that it breaks film-making barriers in Africa (first feature to be filmed in Burundi etc), but keeps its focus firmly on drama and adventure rather than social commentary makes it a very unique 'African' film.
I will certainly watch again because it made me laugh and cry. And surely that's enough for any film, irrespective of where it's set.
The film received a 5-minute standing ovation at the end.
I think first and foremost this is a family film. It's not a forensic study of Africa's social or political problems, nor is it a realistic portrayal of the everyday lives of ordinary Africans. Critics complaining about this seem to have missed the point.
It's a road movie about the passion and courage of young people. It's magical, like a fairy story. The fact that it's set in Africa enriches this sense of magic - and offers interesting opportunities to explore difficult issues in the context of a family movie. But it's not a commentary on Africa - it's about a group of young people who do something extraordinary in an extraordinary place.
The fact that it breaks film-making barriers in Africa (first feature to be filmed in Burundi etc), but keeps its focus firmly on drama and adventure rather than social commentary makes it a very unique 'African' film.
I will certainly watch again because it made me laugh and cry. And surely that's enough for any film, irrespective of where it's set.
Africa United? More Like Torquay United
natashabowiepinky7 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Just because a film is set in Africa, with all African actors, does not free it from criticism when it is absolutely loaded with clichés.
It's the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Five kids are on their way there, traveling 3000 miles from the middle of the continent. One has HIV, another is a former child soldier, another an underage prostitute... you get the picture. THEY REPRESENT DA STRUGGLES OF A NATION, MAN!! The footballer in this little quintet plans to participate in the opening ceremony, but his mother objects. She wants him to be a doctor. He disobeys, and in the middle of the group's little journey, throws his phone in the ocean during an argument with her. Later on, sickened by the horrors of war he's seen, the child soldier does the same with his gun. This stuff practically writes itself.
There's one montage after another to pad out the miniscule 77 minute length, soundtracked by predictable African music, in which nothing relevant occurs. They have run-ins with a pimp, human traffickers, border soldiers and thieves. Of course, the scale of the threat from these has to be dramatically downgraded from real life, hence the 12 rating. A cute story the HIV boy tells along the is relayed to us in several sequences involving puppets, but these just feel like a waste of time. And if I tell you that the same sick kid is on death's door as they approach the stadium at the end of the movie, will he live long enough to see his soccer mad friend FULFILL DA DREAM? Do elephants... defecate in the jungle?
If I sound heartless due to my dismissal of some serious issues, let me explain. If the characters in Africa United felt like living, breathing individuals, it might have connected on a number of levels. However, the truth is, they come across as one-dimensional walking Aesops. Each one represents a 'lesson', and outside of that 'lesson', THERE'S NOTHING THERE. The Sick Kid: Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. The Footballer: Never Give Up On Your Dreams. The Child Soldier: War Is Bad. The Sick Kid's Little Sister: Education Is Good. The Sex Worker: Exploitation Of Girls Is Wrong.
All very laudable notions, but how about some meat on them bones? Outside of their ONE trait, they are as bland as sago pudding. So watching them go through their contrived hi-jinx, and being bashed over the head repeatedly with 'the morals of the story' becomes a chore. And you probably have enough of them to do already. Why add to your heaving workload? Skip it. 4/10
It's the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Five kids are on their way there, traveling 3000 miles from the middle of the continent. One has HIV, another is a former child soldier, another an underage prostitute... you get the picture. THEY REPRESENT DA STRUGGLES OF A NATION, MAN!! The footballer in this little quintet plans to participate in the opening ceremony, but his mother objects. She wants him to be a doctor. He disobeys, and in the middle of the group's little journey, throws his phone in the ocean during an argument with her. Later on, sickened by the horrors of war he's seen, the child soldier does the same with his gun. This stuff practically writes itself.
There's one montage after another to pad out the miniscule 77 minute length, soundtracked by predictable African music, in which nothing relevant occurs. They have run-ins with a pimp, human traffickers, border soldiers and thieves. Of course, the scale of the threat from these has to be dramatically downgraded from real life, hence the 12 rating. A cute story the HIV boy tells along the is relayed to us in several sequences involving puppets, but these just feel like a waste of time. And if I tell you that the same sick kid is on death's door as they approach the stadium at the end of the movie, will he live long enough to see his soccer mad friend FULFILL DA DREAM? Do elephants... defecate in the jungle?
If I sound heartless due to my dismissal of some serious issues, let me explain. If the characters in Africa United felt like living, breathing individuals, it might have connected on a number of levels. However, the truth is, they come across as one-dimensional walking Aesops. Each one represents a 'lesson', and outside of that 'lesson', THERE'S NOTHING THERE. The Sick Kid: Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. The Footballer: Never Give Up On Your Dreams. The Child Soldier: War Is Bad. The Sick Kid's Little Sister: Education Is Good. The Sex Worker: Exploitation Of Girls Is Wrong.
All very laudable notions, but how about some meat on them bones? Outside of their ONE trait, they are as bland as sago pudding. So watching them go through their contrived hi-jinx, and being bashed over the head repeatedly with 'the morals of the story' becomes a chore. And you probably have enough of them to do already. Why add to your heaving workload? Skip it. 4/10
Outstanding Coming of Age/Road/Mythic Movie
john-849-60127419 September 2010
With a caste of brilliant young actors, this movie manages to walk the incredibly difficult tightrope between hopeless grim reality of life for many in Africa and the superficial heartwarming scenes of kids overcoming hardships.
The rhythm of the movie is perfect and the child's voice is authentically maintained.
I saw this at TIFF with 8 and 13 year old boys and 10 and 13 year old girls. They all loved it and want to see it again. The older crowd was equally enthusiastic.
This movie deserves the widest possible distribution. If I was still teaching high school, I would find an excuse to show it to everyone of my classes and try to get a screening for the whole school.
The rhythm of the movie is perfect and the child's voice is authentically maintained.
I saw this at TIFF with 8 and 13 year old boys and 10 and 13 year old girls. They all loved it and want to see it again. The older crowd was equally enthusiastic.
This movie deserves the widest possible distribution. If I was still teaching high school, I would find an excuse to show it to everyone of my classes and try to get a screening for the whole school.
As disappointing as the World Cup
valleyjohn14 April 2011
We all remember the World Cup last year in South Africa. A colourful , noisy event that promised so much but turned out to be a damp squib. That description pretty much sums up Africa United. This film looks great and promises to be a good road movie but it washed over me. It's a film that has far to many stereotype's and is sugar coated to the extent that strangely i wanted to see some real hardship and suffering or even some humour - Vital ingredients in a road movie. - Not a Chance in Africa United. One plus point is the acting of Eriya Ndayambaje who plays Dudu. he certainly has a future in the business. as for the rest I'm not so sure. Disappointing.
A really enjoyable movie!
MovieGuy011 May 2011
I finally got to see this film on DVD last night, and i absolutely enjoyed it very much. It is about three Rwandan children who plan to walk 3000 miles to be able to be at the World Cup in South Africa. I found the scenery throughout the film to be really amazing to watch. I thought the kids acting in the film to be so good. The friends are a talented teenage footballer called Fabrice, Dudu who is a shanty dweller and Dudu's younger sister Beatrice who i thought were fantastic actors. They are making their way to hopefully get to a Pre World Cup trial for Dudu friend Fabrice in Kigali, They end up getting the wrong bus, so they must find a way to get to the World Cup in South Africa. On their way they meet an escaped child terrorist called George and also a waitress called Celeste who is being held captive. They both decide to join the others on the long trip ahead. I really loved the African music which was playing throughout the film which gave the film a great atmosphere. I found it to be a very enjoyable movie with some good laughs along the way: 8/10
A wasted opportunity.
moviephile-873-96494917 October 2010
Went to today's screening with high hopes but left sorely disappointed. A thin story lost under weak direction, with no discernible artistic merit beyond Blink's visual bells and whistles utilised to mask the patronising social message. Africa United seems so earnest in its desire to show us where we're going wrong that it forgets we'd also like to be entertained for our money. The film pounds at your guilt buttons with the subtlety of those TV adverts for donkey sanctuaries. In comparison I now almost look forward to the cheery stance of the charity muggers on Carnaby Street.
If this had been a documentary it might have fared better. But please leave the artistic endeavours to those with more insistence on refreshing creativity.
(But a gorgeous and relevant soundtrack by Bernie Gardner! The film's one saving grace.)
If this had been a documentary it might have fared better. But please leave the artistic endeavours to those with more insistence on refreshing creativity.
(But a gorgeous and relevant soundtrack by Bernie Gardner! The film's one saving grace.)
Makes you laugh, makes you cry, real, sad and full of joy, energy and life
dianne-tidball22 October 2010
Great film, full of energy and colour from the start. Very unusual, not like other films, seems not to be in a mould. Great values of loyalty, friendship and courage in the context of horror and terror. The reality of life in the midst of warfare and corruption was very evident and yet the humour and the warmth made it entertaining and credible. It is the kind of film which children can enjoy because the story is simple and clear and yet there are depths which are profoundly moving for those capable of maturer insights. It is a good antidote to the slick and formulaic films around at the moment. It has heart, it is insightful and manages to be highly entertaining for all ages. Well done on a small budget.
No
brutalkid19978 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
i don't like the movie i just don't. I hate the plot
The story begins in Rwanda where young football know-it-all Dudu Kayenzi is teaching a group of children how to make a football (you need an inflated condom, a carrier bag and a piece of String). Teenager Fabrice longs to pursue his ambition of becoming an association football legend and is seen breaking the local record for the most continuous football kick-ups. When Fabrice is offered the chance to audition for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, he sets off for Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, with his 'manager' Dudu and Dudu's sister Beatrice. Beatrice wishes to become a doctor and find a cure for AIDS in memory of Dudu. Fabrice tries to express his love of football to his mother, but she simply replies "Africa doesen't need dreams, it needs to wake up".
so talking about a condom in a kids film not very smart
also not a very good ending The team arrive at Beitbridge on the Zimbabwe–South Africa border, where an official insists that they are nothing but refugeees. The security guards take Dudu's ball but again the team works together to retrieve it and continue to Soccer City in Johannesburg for the Cup. Dudu falls ill again and is rushed to the medical facility at the stadium, where he completes his fictional story by saying Fabrice carries the ball God gave to the people of Africa. Except for Dudu, the team carry the ball off into the now roaring crowd. At the end, Dudu is seen walking off into a light, suggesting that he has died of HIV–AIDS.
so yes he died and it's just bad so its bad ending stupid plot but good acting well not bad
The story begins in Rwanda where young football know-it-all Dudu Kayenzi is teaching a group of children how to make a football (you need an inflated condom, a carrier bag and a piece of String). Teenager Fabrice longs to pursue his ambition of becoming an association football legend and is seen breaking the local record for the most continuous football kick-ups. When Fabrice is offered the chance to audition for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, he sets off for Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, with his 'manager' Dudu and Dudu's sister Beatrice. Beatrice wishes to become a doctor and find a cure for AIDS in memory of Dudu. Fabrice tries to express his love of football to his mother, but she simply replies "Africa doesen't need dreams, it needs to wake up".
so talking about a condom in a kids film not very smart
also not a very good ending The team arrive at Beitbridge on the Zimbabwe–South Africa border, where an official insists that they are nothing but refugeees. The security guards take Dudu's ball but again the team works together to retrieve it and continue to Soccer City in Johannesburg for the Cup. Dudu falls ill again and is rushed to the medical facility at the stadium, where he completes his fictional story by saying Fabrice carries the ball God gave to the people of Africa. Except for Dudu, the team carry the ball off into the now roaring crowd. At the end, Dudu is seen walking off into a light, suggesting that he has died of HIV–AIDS.
so yes he died and it's just bad so its bad ending stupid plot but good acting well not bad
Charming
neil-47629 October 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Talented footballing teenager Fabrice and genial rotund Dudu are friends in the same small Rwandan town, although Fabrice is privileged and Dudu is a shanty dweller. Together with Dudu's younger sister Beatrice they set off for a pre-World Cup trial for Fabrice in Kigali, take the wrong bus, and end up trying to make their own way to the World Cup in South Africa, picking up escaped child terrorist Foreman George and captive teen "waitress" Celeste on the way.
This rather slight film doesn't bear examining too closely, or else much of its narrative credibility falls to pieces rather easily. But it doesn't need close examination, because the things which matter about it hold true irrespective of plot holes and logic flaws.
At its heart is the various relationships between these kids. The 5 untried child actors are not only all excellent, but are able to clearly show how they, and the various relationships between them, change and grow throughout the film's length. In particular, Yves Dusenge as Foreman George, shows us a good hearted youngster who is haunted by the things he has witnessed and taken part in, and who perhaps gets most benefit (in an understated way) from the growing friendships within the group.
Africa is, as always, spectacular. The film successfully shows us both its beauty and something of its ugly underside and, to its credit, it neither shies away nor beats us over the head with it. Issues like AIDS and child terrorism are met matter-of-factly.
This small but joyful movie was very welcome because it gave me something rather different to the usual cinema fare, and well rewarded the time I spent in the company of these young African people.
This rather slight film doesn't bear examining too closely, or else much of its narrative credibility falls to pieces rather easily. But it doesn't need close examination, because the things which matter about it hold true irrespective of plot holes and logic flaws.
At its heart is the various relationships between these kids. The 5 untried child actors are not only all excellent, but are able to clearly show how they, and the various relationships between them, change and grow throughout the film's length. In particular, Yves Dusenge as Foreman George, shows us a good hearted youngster who is haunted by the things he has witnessed and taken part in, and who perhaps gets most benefit (in an understated way) from the growing friendships within the group.
Africa is, as always, spectacular. The film successfully shows us both its beauty and something of its ugly underside and, to its credit, it neither shies away nor beats us over the head with it. Issues like AIDS and child terrorism are met matter-of-factly.
This small but joyful movie was very welcome because it gave me something rather different to the usual cinema fare, and well rewarded the time I spent in the company of these young African people.
A two-side movie
vinciane-bois19 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"Africa United" has two sides.
First and foremost,the film is very beautiful, fun, brilliant, heart breaking, full of energy, passion and adventure, the soundtrack is gorgeous! The actors aren't professional but really amazing! There are a lot of heartwarming scenes of kids overcoming hardships. The children have an enormous sense of friendship, solidarity and generosity. They are brave, adventurous and united. Some people say that the story is a bit thin, for kids, but we all are kids in our heart, aren't we? It's a family film, all ages can see it and be entertained! I really enjoyed every minute of this fabulous movie. At the and, you will cry and smile because of Dudu's very poignant death, it's fantastic! The other side is a movie which shows the problems in Africa. I have already been in Africa and the movie shows exactly what people live (AIDS, child soldiers, sex workers, poverty...) It denounces the life of the children who haven't got parents in Rwanda because of the genocide too.
Those two sides make the film very interesting and it's really fantastic!
First and foremost,the film is very beautiful, fun, brilliant, heart breaking, full of energy, passion and adventure, the soundtrack is gorgeous! The actors aren't professional but really amazing! There are a lot of heartwarming scenes of kids overcoming hardships. The children have an enormous sense of friendship, solidarity and generosity. They are brave, adventurous and united. Some people say that the story is a bit thin, for kids, but we all are kids in our heart, aren't we? It's a family film, all ages can see it and be entertained! I really enjoyed every minute of this fabulous movie. At the and, you will cry and smile because of Dudu's very poignant death, it's fantastic! The other side is a movie which shows the problems in Africa. I have already been in Africa and the movie shows exactly what people live (AIDS, child soldiers, sex workers, poverty...) It denounces the life of the children who haven't got parents in Rwanda because of the genocide too.
Those two sides make the film very interesting and it's really fantastic!
The Film Which Shows Reality
dorianne-barlaguet17 May 2011
I think it's a well made film because this film is for families and for all ages, the soundtrack is gorgeous and brilliant, it's entertaining. In spite of the actors are not really actors, but it is not really important. The film is fantastic, full of energy, passion, adventure, courage, humour, amazing, awesome. I laughed much during the film. The film offers something fun and offers food for thought. This film shows reality in Africa because people do not have money to make houses or a ball to play football. For a moment I think I cried because the end of the film is sad.
Go see the film, it's really interesting and entertaining !
Go see the film, it's really interesting and entertaining !
A burst of sunshine, a comical and positive feeling !
Melodie_M22 May 2011
I was totally charming by the film Africa United! Sunny, comical, hopeful, amazing entertaining... it's a very unusual film. I loved the soundtrack, the young characters are positive and emotional... In spite of a small budget and young actors, the director made an excellent film, fresh and full of optimism. Delightful !
I was touched by all the characters; each one having a particular talent, a unique character, a personal "joie de vivre" ! Personally, I think that they represent hope for many children in Africa ! Dudu was brilliant; he made me laugh until I cried...
So I encourage people to see this film now, IT'S A GEM !!
I was touched by all the characters; each one having a particular talent, a unique character, a personal "joie de vivre" ! Personally, I think that they represent hope for many children in Africa ! Dudu was brilliant; he made me laugh until I cried...
So I encourage people to see this film now, IT'S A GEM !!
An excellent family adventure film !!
toinouboy15 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Africa United is an excellent family adventure film !! The actors and actresses show exactly teenager's live in Afica (AIDS as Dudu and his parents, children trafficking as Celeste(prostitute) or Foreman George the civil war ...).
When I saw the scene where Dudu says to his friends that he has AIDS, I have "cried" because a lot of people die of that inAfrica. In this film there is a brilliant soundtrack. The African musicare authentic because I know this style of music.
I advise people who haven't seen the film to go see that because is a brilliant film
When I saw the scene where Dudu says to his friends that he has AIDS, I have "cried" because a lot of people die of that inAfrica. In this film there is a brilliant soundtrack. The African musicare authentic because I know this style of music.
I advise people who haven't seen the film to go see that because is a brilliant film
My 380th Review: Wonderful authentic kids film
intelearts5 March 2011
Finally! I can't remember that last time I saw a great film for kids that didn't rely on tons of CGI, or animation, or skewed values. This is simply a wonderful film that kids from 8 to 80 will enjoy.
It offers a genuine insight into another world it is authentically African and better for it - it's fun, funny, moving, uncompromising and above all, refreshingly unpatronizing. It has much of modern Africa here, including war and even Aids, but it is done in such a way that no child would find them off putting.
The actors are excellent - their journey full of genuine friendships and adventures.
For those who want to open their eyes to life elsewhere in the world this really is one of the best kids films imaginable.
If you get a chance to see, especially if you love adventure, soccer, and genuine films, do!
It offers a genuine insight into another world it is authentically African and better for it - it's fun, funny, moving, uncompromising and above all, refreshingly unpatronizing. It has much of modern Africa here, including war and even Aids, but it is done in such a way that no child would find them off putting.
The actors are excellent - their journey full of genuine friendships and adventures.
For those who want to open their eyes to life elsewhere in the world this really is one of the best kids films imaginable.
If you get a chance to see, especially if you love adventure, soccer, and genuine films, do!
A touching and emotional movie
sara-bleue14 May 2011
I think Afica United is worth a watch. It's a story of brotherhood and fraternity with ingenuity and solidarity. The rhythm is too fast but there is a gorgeous soundtrack. The film is well done with a young cast who makes the difference, it is not in a mould, it's unique. The characters are in the midst of reality but full of optimism. The only problem is the end of the movie: very mysterious.
I wanted to know what happened, that's why I put nine of ten stars but, it's a must-see.I recommend it, it's a great family adventure for all ages.
Go and see it.
I wanted to know what happened, that's why I put nine of ten stars but, it's a must-see.I recommend it, it's a great family adventure for all ages.
Go and see it.
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