Saw this back at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
"Bravo, Burkina!" is a story about a Burkinabé boy flees his village and migrates to Italy. When later disillusioned by heartbreak, and haunted by memories of home, he travels through time in hope of regaining all he has lost. This is the type of film that focuses mainly on the visuals, costumes and experimental like narrative through African cultures and fairytale ideas. This being Walé Oyéjidé first debut film, it's not that bad.
The stellar moments are it's camerawork, colorful presentation, production and costume designs as the sets, uses of clothes and colors are beautiful and perfect. Oyéjidé has been in the design industry and seeing his designs and work were quite fun to observe. The soundtrack and style of filmmaking helped to keep the film to be interesting.
While the narrative is an interesting concept, it unfortunately never really fully took full advantage of it's creative as the narrative felt a little flat and the characters were as emotionally connectable as the film wants. The characters had their arches but it felt unfinished or underdeveloped as if there is something lacking. Most of the performances were pretty good and there were some nice dialogue moments. Tho some of the acting moments did feel like it was from something of a University Student Film Project.
Overall, the film has some creative ideas and while the narrative could use some work, the soundtrack, visuals, and concept helps to keep the film afloat.
Rating: B-
