Not bad, not great, good. Beautifully shot with the potential for intricate storytelling, but lacking depth beyond the cinematography. It is a rollercoaster I'm glad to have ridden once, but won't be returning to.
17 Reviews
Something Missing
simonb-667-54893619 March 2021
A story-less story about story-telling made into a movie.
Top_Dawg_Critic18 March 2021
Let's just put aside that this is one of the most beautifully shot films I've seen in a very long time, and that the locale and prison sets were breathtaking and so authentic, you felt like you were there. Why take a boring nonsense lame story and waste it on such beautiful visuals?
Even the no-name casting and performances were excellent, and clearly writer and director Philippe Lacôte knew how to direct his cast and his scenes perfectly. But such a dumb story. Did all these raving reviews from top critics see the same film I did?
The story was riddled with plot holes, was illogical, full of nonsense, and just dragged out a story-less story about storytelling for a normally pleasant 93 min that felt never ending. And the pacing was actually adequate.
All I know is that if I had those exact same resources available to me, I would've hired a 5th grade drama class student to write a better script for me.
I'm still giving it a generous 6/10 all going to the stunning visuals.
Even the no-name casting and performances were excellent, and clearly writer and director Philippe Lacôte knew how to direct his cast and his scenes perfectly. But such a dumb story. Did all these raving reviews from top critics see the same film I did?
The story was riddled with plot holes, was illogical, full of nonsense, and just dragged out a story-less story about storytelling for a normally pleasant 93 min that felt never ending. And the pacing was actually adequate.
All I know is that if I had those exact same resources available to me, I would've hired a 5th grade drama class student to write a better script for me.
I'm still giving it a generous 6/10 all going to the stunning visuals.
once upon a time ...
ferguson-626 February 2021
Greetings again from the darkness. Could you tell a story that lasts all night? What if you were standing on a box in front of a few hundred rowdy inmates? What if your life depended on it? Writer-director Phillippe Lacote (RUN, 2015) opens the film with an aerial shot over the jungles of the Ivory Coast and slowly makes way to the isolated prison known as La MACA.
The camera takes us to the bed of a police pickup truck where a handcuffed young man is being escorted by an armed guard. It's the first day of his prison sentence. La MACA has a warden and prison guards, but even they admit the place is mostly run by the inmates. The warden (Issaka Sawadogo) meets with the new prisoner (newcomer Bakary Kone), but it's Blackbeard (Steve Tientcheu) who summons the newbie to his cell. Blackbird has been the Dangaro, Chief of Prisoners, for years, and only recently has his hulking presence led to chatter of diminishing losing power. With his fatigue requiring regular intake from oxygen tanks, Blackbird realizes his reign is near ... and tradition requires that, once too weak to lead, he take his own life.
Blackbird names the wide-eyed new prisoner Roman, meaning he will be the storyteller at that evening's Red Moon. Blackbeard has this planned as his final hurrah as leader. Two prisoners are vying to become the new Dangaro: Blackbeard's loyal assistant Half-Mad (Jean Cyrille Digbeau) and rival faction leader Lass (Abdoul Karim Konate). They each have their eye on wearing the "crown".
If all this sounds a bit convoluted, you should know it's fascinating to watch unfold on the screen. The rules and rituals are followed vigorously, and just like in any political situation, behind-the-scenes maneuverings are ongoing. We never lose sight of the fact that there are hundreds of criminals gathered in a confined area, yet the structure of their organization lends itself to Roman's storytelling.
As a member of the Microbes gang in the Lawless Quarter of Abidjan, Roman doesn't consider himself a storyteller, and is reluctant to begin. Urged on by the aggressive reactions of his audience, he's soon weaving tales blending his childhood, the recent arrest of local legend Zama King, and the mythology and history of the Ivory Coast. Stunning flashbacks and visuals are utilized in just the right dosage to help us understand the stories without losing the danger Roman faces. What danger, you ask? Well a fellow prisoner named Silence (played by Denis Lavant, from 2012 cult favorite HOLY MOTORS), who keeps a chicken perched on his shoulder, warns Roman that his story must last through the night until the Red Moon sets on the horizon ... or the ritual demands he be killed. Talk about motivation - as if the metal hook in the stairwell wasn't enough!
Filmmaker Lacote excels with his 'story within a story' and the blending of truth and fiction. The fed-up guards watching through the small window in their protected office says more than words could. And cinematographer Tobie Marier Robitaille works wonders within the claustrophobic confines of the prison, and by capturing the emotions of the participants. This is an original film that could be equally effective as a stage production, as both vehicles can convey the glory of the moment morning breaks. Let's hope this isn't "once upon a time" for Lacote, and that he has more to offer at this level. Available February 26, 2021 in select theatres and Virtual Cinemas
The camera takes us to the bed of a police pickup truck where a handcuffed young man is being escorted by an armed guard. It's the first day of his prison sentence. La MACA has a warden and prison guards, but even they admit the place is mostly run by the inmates. The warden (Issaka Sawadogo) meets with the new prisoner (newcomer Bakary Kone), but it's Blackbeard (Steve Tientcheu) who summons the newbie to his cell. Blackbird has been the Dangaro, Chief of Prisoners, for years, and only recently has his hulking presence led to chatter of diminishing losing power. With his fatigue requiring regular intake from oxygen tanks, Blackbird realizes his reign is near ... and tradition requires that, once too weak to lead, he take his own life.
Blackbird names the wide-eyed new prisoner Roman, meaning he will be the storyteller at that evening's Red Moon. Blackbeard has this planned as his final hurrah as leader. Two prisoners are vying to become the new Dangaro: Blackbeard's loyal assistant Half-Mad (Jean Cyrille Digbeau) and rival faction leader Lass (Abdoul Karim Konate). They each have their eye on wearing the "crown".
If all this sounds a bit convoluted, you should know it's fascinating to watch unfold on the screen. The rules and rituals are followed vigorously, and just like in any political situation, behind-the-scenes maneuverings are ongoing. We never lose sight of the fact that there are hundreds of criminals gathered in a confined area, yet the structure of their organization lends itself to Roman's storytelling.
As a member of the Microbes gang in the Lawless Quarter of Abidjan, Roman doesn't consider himself a storyteller, and is reluctant to begin. Urged on by the aggressive reactions of his audience, he's soon weaving tales blending his childhood, the recent arrest of local legend Zama King, and the mythology and history of the Ivory Coast. Stunning flashbacks and visuals are utilized in just the right dosage to help us understand the stories without losing the danger Roman faces. What danger, you ask? Well a fellow prisoner named Silence (played by Denis Lavant, from 2012 cult favorite HOLY MOTORS), who keeps a chicken perched on his shoulder, warns Roman that his story must last through the night until the Red Moon sets on the horizon ... or the ritual demands he be killed. Talk about motivation - as if the metal hook in the stairwell wasn't enough!
Filmmaker Lacote excels with his 'story within a story' and the blending of truth and fiction. The fed-up guards watching through the small window in their protected office says more than words could. And cinematographer Tobie Marier Robitaille works wonders within the claustrophobic confines of the prison, and by capturing the emotions of the participants. This is an original film that could be equally effective as a stage production, as both vehicles can convey the glory of the moment morning breaks. Let's hope this isn't "once upon a time" for Lacote, and that he has more to offer at this level. Available February 26, 2021 in select theatres and Virtual Cinemas
Not your average movie business production
jmccrmck-6517220 July 2022
For once , the trade paper reviews were actually accurate, it is so different from what 'we' are used to watching. And I was totally engaged from the very first moments of the film until the end and for me it was a movie that stays with you and you come to understand some of the deeper aspects of the film after you have watched it. The movie has completely different 'sensibilities' than Hollywood fare, it is most decidedly 1) African and 2) by a foreign (French) director. The best I can tell anyone reading this review is that I was so glad I watched it and enjoyed every last minute of it.
Really Cool Concept
sweidman-280163 February 2021
A young man is sent to "La Maca", a prison of Ivory Coast in the middle of the forest ruled by its prisoners. With the red moon rising, he is designated by the Boss to be the new "Roman" and must tell a story to the other prisoners. Night of the Kings is a really cool concept. Right away it's interesting and I kept wondering what would happen next. The writing for this is cool in the way that it's based on storytelling. The directing by Philippe Lacôte is very well done. But by far the thing that struck me most is the amazing ensemble. All of them have their own distinct characters and use it to the fullest. If the SAGs could nominate an ensemble that no one really knows about, this would be the one. Now, I do have some pacing issues and some of the execution didn't always work for me. But the crazy ending more than makes up for it. I would hope to see this at the Oscars or at least the Globes for international feature this year.
A flair for the dramatics
stephenstephenbyrne28 March 2021
An ode to storytelling itself
dmansel23 January 2022
A gripping, imaginative movie set in the Ivory Coast, Night of the Kings centers on a young criminal named Roman who is forced to use his imagination to survive two nights in a lawless jail. In reality, our Roman (the title of a storyteller, our character's proper name is never given) is little more than a pawn in a bigger game of jail politics as the overlord plays a dangerous game to hold onto power as he physically weakens. What proceeds is a fascinating tale-within-a-tale as the Roman desperately weaves real life and fantasy to pass the time and remain alive. The setup and execution of this film is brilliant in its use of storytelling as the narrative intercuts between the story being told and life inside the jail.
Barry Kone as the Roman, the storyteller of the movie does an incredible job, transitioning from confused and helpless to confident to desperate as he spins his plates and lays his anecdote. The prison's Dangoro, or overlord, played by Steve Tientcheu is a quiet, brooding man wasting away as he feels his power slipping. Tientcheu plays the character smaller than his large frame suggests, sitting or laying down the majority of the time tethered to an oxygen tank. While he doesn't get much screentime, his presence is felt throughout as some inmates scheme against him and others furiously protect him.
Lacote's second outing after 2015's politically charged film Run, Night of the Kings shows no signs of a sophomore slump. He wastes little time getting to the point, dumping the Roman in the thick of things, leaving him, and by virtue us, confused and bewildered as events play out around him. The mixture of hardened criminals, prison politics, and world-weary wardens flesh out the world of this prison as a grimy gulag, a spot in the middle of nowhere where all the inmates have to look forward to is stories. The power and seduction of storytelling is the very heart of the matter, as inmates eagerly assist the Roman, acting out bits of his story in a sort of mimed improvisation that gives us a peek into not just the imagination of the Roman, but the imagination of these criminals as well. The story within the story told is a muddled mess, a result of a kid who's putting together any and everything in a desperate attempt at holding their attention. Directed wonderfully by Lacote, he makes you feel the dirt and the grime of the place, the desperation of the inmates for a good story and the desperation of the overlord, playing this final hand to keep his supremacy.
Overall, The Night of the Kings is well worth the time spent watching. An ode to storytelling itself, and how stories are shaped and molded, it's rife with all the necessary ingredients: great characters, great visuals, and ticking clocks. A fascinating story, wonderfully acted by both the actual actors and the inmates within the film, and perfectly paced at 93 minutes makes this a quick, engrossing, enjoyable film that will you leave you wondering what other stories this region of the world is capable of. Night of the Kings will be released in theaters and virtual cinemas on February 26th, and on video on demand on March 5th.
Barry Kone as the Roman, the storyteller of the movie does an incredible job, transitioning from confused and helpless to confident to desperate as he spins his plates and lays his anecdote. The prison's Dangoro, or overlord, played by Steve Tientcheu is a quiet, brooding man wasting away as he feels his power slipping. Tientcheu plays the character smaller than his large frame suggests, sitting or laying down the majority of the time tethered to an oxygen tank. While he doesn't get much screentime, his presence is felt throughout as some inmates scheme against him and others furiously protect him.
Lacote's second outing after 2015's politically charged film Run, Night of the Kings shows no signs of a sophomore slump. He wastes little time getting to the point, dumping the Roman in the thick of things, leaving him, and by virtue us, confused and bewildered as events play out around him. The mixture of hardened criminals, prison politics, and world-weary wardens flesh out the world of this prison as a grimy gulag, a spot in the middle of nowhere where all the inmates have to look forward to is stories. The power and seduction of storytelling is the very heart of the matter, as inmates eagerly assist the Roman, acting out bits of his story in a sort of mimed improvisation that gives us a peek into not just the imagination of the Roman, but the imagination of these criminals as well. The story within the story told is a muddled mess, a result of a kid who's putting together any and everything in a desperate attempt at holding their attention. Directed wonderfully by Lacote, he makes you feel the dirt and the grime of the place, the desperation of the inmates for a good story and the desperation of the overlord, playing this final hand to keep his supremacy.
Overall, The Night of the Kings is well worth the time spent watching. An ode to storytelling itself, and how stories are shaped and molded, it's rife with all the necessary ingredients: great characters, great visuals, and ticking clocks. A fascinating story, wonderfully acted by both the actual actors and the inmates within the film, and perfectly paced at 93 minutes makes this a quick, engrossing, enjoyable film that will you leave you wondering what other stories this region of the world is capable of. Night of the Kings will be released in theaters and virtual cinemas on February 26th, and on video on demand on March 5th.
Excellent piece of work......
rzervou15 November 2020
Combining african realism with magic. The wild prison of Abidjan become the scene to explore both the country's turbulent present and social conditions through rite and music. A very different 'prison movie' that shows that young african cinema draw its way not by imitating but by creating new species, adapted to its specialities. Acting is superbe - Denis lavant holds a very distinctive role, underlying his peculiarity as a unique performer - and the director manages genuisly the scenes where the lot of prisoners act as a chorus in ancient tragedy. The living music tradition of western Africa palys too an important role. Surprisingly astonishing!!!!
Night of the Kings
henry8-319 May 2022
In Ivory Coast's notorious Maca prison where the inmates essentially run the place, the leader, Blackbeard is ill and under pressure to kill himself per tradition. He delays this by appointing a new 'Roman' who must tell a story for the prisoners, following which, unbeknownst to him, he will be killed.
Something of a unique experience in that the film primarily follows the actual story Roman is making up as he goes along in the hope that morning comes before he finishes, so that he can live. It's all rather weird - prisoners play out parts of the story - and troubling as a lot if what happens is loosely based on fact. Nicely and realistically acted by all involved, it's definitely not be for everyone, but worth catching nonetheless.
Something of a unique experience in that the film primarily follows the actual story Roman is making up as he goes along in the hope that morning comes before he finishes, so that he can live. It's all rather weird - prisoners play out parts of the story - and troubling as a lot if what happens is loosely based on fact. Nicely and realistically acted by all involved, it's definitely not be for everyone, but worth catching nonetheless.
Don't just give stars.
ulfricblokey17 May 2022
Don't just give stars because you feel sorry for the filmmaker, the actors, the characters, the supposed protagonists.
Feeling sorry for incompetence is never a justification to award benefits.
This film is trainwreck awful, badly acted, twice as long as it should be, badly scripted and ... ridiculously badly subtitled.(probably not their fault, but French is a commonly understood language and there is NO EXCUSE. Stop it!)
My guess is that the missing LOW user-reviews weren't submitted by their authors because ... who cares? Nobody's going to read this niche stuff.
Watch the film, award stars based on how it compares to early fanfiction Rambo ripoffs from Azerbaijan on VHS in the 1980s. Better? NO.
Just. No.
Feeling sorry for incompetence is never a justification to award benefits.
This film is trainwreck awful, badly acted, twice as long as it should be, badly scripted and ... ridiculously badly subtitled.(probably not their fault, but French is a commonly understood language and there is NO EXCUSE. Stop it!)
My guess is that the missing LOW user-reviews weren't submitted by their authors because ... who cares? Nobody's going to read this niche stuff.
Watch the film, award stars based on how it compares to early fanfiction Rambo ripoffs from Azerbaijan on VHS in the 1980s. Better? NO.
Just. No.
A beautifully shot film
lkgleeson10 January 2021
Written and directed by Philippe Lecote, Night of the Kings was screened outdoors at the Hollywood Legion Drive-in Cinema and the soft and cool breeze present throughout the film laid down an atmospheric ambiance that no indoor theatre could match. Blazing cinematography with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues from cinematographerTobie-Marier Robitaille rivaled Roger Deakins Academy-award winning work from BladeRunner 2049.
Night of the Kings turned out to be a special Friday Night at the drive-in. In addition to the exceptional cinematography, epic (literally and figuratively) production design the stalwart performances, and the classic narrative combined with the writing and seemingly spontaneous choreography send this feature film into the stratosphere. Highly recommended!
Night of the Kings turned out to be a special Friday Night at the drive-in. In addition to the exceptional cinematography, epic (literally and figuratively) production design the stalwart performances, and the classic narrative combined with the writing and seemingly spontaneous choreography send this feature film into the stratosphere. Highly recommended!
History and stories in history
nouyrigatantoine13 April 2021
This film transported me to an imaginary African prison universe in which a newly arrived young prisoner is assigned to tell a story during the night of the red moon. The direction and the performers are credible, and the film follows. However left on my hunger in the face of the fall of the film and all the stories and details that the footage could have contained about the plurality of characters.
an experience
salyangozz9 June 2021
It is not easy to talk about this movie tbh. It is a movie about the affect stories have on us. How they come to be, how they change... And also a movie about oral tradition and how a story can be whatever the story-teller wants it to be.
It feels like you're watching a play on the bond between the story teller, the listeners and the story itself rather than a movie. But you're watching the play up close: you are on stage with the actors. I thought it was beautiful and enjoyed it a lot.
It feels like you're watching a play on the bond between the story teller, the listeners and the story itself rather than a movie. But you're watching the play up close: you are on stage with the actors. I thought it was beautiful and enjoyed it a lot.
BEDTIME STORY
js-6613011 June 2021
When survival means keeping a dangerous, unruly, and captive mob at bay with an overnight tall tale, it better be good.
"Night of Knights" is a riveting, theatrical Ivory Coast prison film that eschews physical action in favour of a flowing, Shakespearian drama. Run by an aging overlord dubbed Blackbeard, this cramped world capsule on the verge of anarchy is a clever analogy of larger systems beyond these walls. Their ruler is in trouble, with his health failing he must hold off the warring factions hungry for power, and he chooses a fresh inmate to cast a spell of procrastination with a red moon story. His new "Roman" is tasked with enrapturing the heaving masses until the moon sets, a feat that will spare his life.
Though based on fact, the story within the story about the revered Zama King, is enriched with magical fiction which serves to engage the itchy inmates who prove a tough but eager audience.
The oral tradition of history is a fascinating one, and "Night of Knights" shows how an effective messenger can develop the plot for various means. As rival gangs scramble in their quest for power, velvety rich colours pierce the shadows of the MACA prison transforming the harsh institution into a vibrant stage. For one night at least.
Will the messenger survive the night? What really happened to the Zama King? Who will seize power? Patience, patience.
"Night of Knights" is a riveting, theatrical Ivory Coast prison film that eschews physical action in favour of a flowing, Shakespearian drama. Run by an aging overlord dubbed Blackbeard, this cramped world capsule on the verge of anarchy is a clever analogy of larger systems beyond these walls. Their ruler is in trouble, with his health failing he must hold off the warring factions hungry for power, and he chooses a fresh inmate to cast a spell of procrastination with a red moon story. His new "Roman" is tasked with enrapturing the heaving masses until the moon sets, a feat that will spare his life.
Though based on fact, the story within the story about the revered Zama King, is enriched with magical fiction which serves to engage the itchy inmates who prove a tough but eager audience.
The oral tradition of history is a fascinating one, and "Night of Knights" shows how an effective messenger can develop the plot for various means. As rival gangs scramble in their quest for power, velvety rich colours pierce the shadows of the MACA prison transforming the harsh institution into a vibrant stage. For one night at least.
Will the messenger survive the night? What really happened to the Zama King? Who will seize power? Patience, patience.
- hipCRANK.
A tale
vmertzanis-269085 November 2021
Stay awake
paultreloar7527 July 2021
This is a really captivating and endearing drama, far more than the standard prison film that I was thinking that I was going to watch. As someone else mentioned in another review, this felt like it had overtones of Shakspeare, with the plot of the ultimate boss using magic and tradition to try to pass on ownership of the horrific looking prison. The performances of the actors were superb, gripping and authentic, the soundtrack was lovely and the singing, dancing and story telling add to that feeling of theatre.
I loved the way that it jumped in and out of different realities and fantasies and also the way it kept you uncertain and slightly fearful about where it was going to end. It also prompted me to go away and read some more about the history of the Ivory Coast as the historical perspective of the tale added to the story. Well worth 90 minutes of your time.
I loved the way that it jumped in and out of different realities and fantasies and also the way it kept you uncertain and slightly fearful about where it was going to end. It also prompted me to go away and read some more about the history of the Ivory Coast as the historical perspective of the tale added to the story. Well worth 90 minutes of your time.
Night of the Kings
jboothmillard17 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I had never heard of this French film before I found it was being broadcast on television, it was rated highly by critics and I think that is the only reason I chose to give it a try, I occasionally watch random films when I hear that they are meant to be good, so I'm glad I did that with this one. Basically, at the infamous MACA Prison (Maison d'Arrêt et de Correction d'Abidjan, translated House of Arrest and Correction of Abidjan) on the Ivory Coast, the inmates are in control and have set their own rules. One of these rules is that if the Dangôro, aka the chief, becomes too ill to lead, he must take his life. Blackbeard (Steve Tientcheu) is the current Dangôro, but his condition has worsened over time, he requires a breathing mask and tank. With his health declining he is being pressured to commit suicide by his subordinate Lass (Abdoul-Karim Konate) who wants to become Dangôro. Hoping to postpone his death by appeasing the prisoners, Blackbeard seeks to find a new Roman, a storyteller who will tell stories for the prisoners during the upcoming red moon. A new prisoner (Bakary Koné), a member of the "Microbe" gang who was arrested for thievery, arrives at MACA. Shortly after arriving, he is taken to Blackbeard's cell block. Blackbeard speaks with the new arrival asking him to tell a short story, and he chooses him as Roman. Once the red moon rises, the prisoners gather around Roman to listen to a story. Initially hesitant, Roman tells the story of the death of Zama King (Oscar Goneti), the leader of the Microbes. While he is speaking, some prisoners occasionally act out portions of the story with singing and interpretive dance. During a meal break, Roman is warned in secret by quiet prisoner Silence (Beau Travail's Denis Lavant) that he must keep the story going until morning, or he will be killed. When Roman resumes his story, he makes it more elaborate. He tells of the Zama King's early life in the 19th century, raised by his father Soni (Rasmané Ouédraogo), a blind beggar, following the death of his mother. Soni becomes the advisor of the Queen (Laetitia Ky), convincing her he has mystical powers. The story is interrupted by the murder of Koby (Stéphane Sebime), one of Blackbeard's confidants. After a period of mourning, Blackbeard talks privately to his second-in-command Half-Mad (Jean Cyrille Digbeu), who suggests he should be named the next Dangôro. After Half-Mad leaves, Roman begs Blackbeard to call off the storytelling, but this is refused. Later, Blackbeard accepts his fate and drowns himself in a water tank. Roman continues his story: After failing to lead the queen to victory in a war against her brother, Soni disguises himself and flees with Zama, settling in the Lawless Quarter slum of Abidjan. Following the post-election crisis and the arrest of politician Laurent Gbagbo, Zama becomes a close ally of the new government and founds the Microbes. The story ends with Zama surrounded by an angry mob and killed by necklacing (torture and execution by forcing a rubber tyre around a victim's chest and arms, drenching it with petrol, and setting it on fire). Roman realises morning has still not broken, so he claims there is a twist ending to the story and attempts to continue it further. Half-Mad accuses Roman of stalling and prepares to kill him. However, Roman is saved when a fight breaks out between Lass, Half-Mad, and their supporters. To prevent an escalating brawl, prison Warden Nivaquine (Issaka Sawadogo) fires gunshots in the crowd, killing several prisoners, including Half-Mad. It ends with Roman in the prison courtyard watching the sun rise. Also starring Macel Anzian as Razor Blade. Koné gives a good leading performance as the young new arrival, and Tientcheu is terrific as the ailing top dog. It is a simple enough concept, a young man tasked with entertaining the other inmates to stay alive until daylight and his tall tales shown onscreen, with characters in impressive African costumes, it is an interesting blend of the usual gritty prison drama mixed with slightly make-believe, a worthwhile fantasy drama. Very good!
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