Abouna (2004)

Critic Reviews

• Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

  While it doesn't tell a story that satisfies most Western eyes, in some ways that's part of the strength of Abouna.

• Megan Lehmann, New York Post

  Suffers from largely rudderless direction, relying for any sense of profundity on the breathtaking beauty of Abraham Haile Biru's cinematography.

• Michael Atkinson, Village Voice

  Lyrical and stoic.

• A.O. Scott, New York Times

  Mahamat-Selah Haroun's second feature film reveals both the beauties and the harsh realities of modern African life.

• Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

  Gorgeously photographed, thematically complex and nothing if not ambitious, but strangely lacking in emotional punch.

• Cynthia Fuchs, PopMatters

  Haroun's second film is lilting and profound at once, precise and sinuous.

• Kent Turner, Film-Forward.com

  With its use of nonprofessional actors and actual locations, this is neorealism via Chad. However, Abouna is more moving to describe than it is to watch.

• Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide

  Even considering how hard it must be to take a bad picture with the striking Chadian landscape as a backdrop, this film is an exceptionally beautiful work.

• Shirley Sealy, Film Journal International

  It is a splendid achievement for the nascent African film industry. And it is also a fascinating film, notable for its empathetic heart as well as its political guts.

• Phil Hall, Film Threat

  A perfect film.

• Keith H. Brown, Eye for Film

  Pleasant enough viewing ... but somewhat calculated, polished and ersatz.

• Jamie Russell, BBC

  Moving, yet unmemorable, cinema.

• , Sight and Sound

  The film never feels derivative or inauthentic.

Read all 13 critic reviews