Return to Gorée (Retour à Gorée) (2008)
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100% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
90% of users liked it
(103 ratings)
This unique "road documentary" finds Youssou N'Dour, a vocalist from Senegal, undertaking a transcontinental journey and traveling the routes of 19th century American slaves. Guided by the blind Tunisian pianist Moncef Genoud, N'Dour gravitates from Atlanta to New Orleans to the… More This unique "road documentary" finds Youssou N'Dour, a vocalist from Senegal, undertaking a transcontinental journey and traveling the routes of 19th century American slaves. Guided by the blind Tunisian pianist Moncef Genoud, N'Dour gravitates from Atlanta to New Orleans to the Big Apple, then leaves the United States for Europe and visits Bordeaux, France, and Luxembourg, meanwhile performing his jazz- and gospel-influenced songs constantly. The film witnesses N'Dour rehearsing with an extensive series of musicians and preparing for a final concert in Gorée. That locale (an island off of Senegal's coast) attains particularly strong thematic relevance, geographically situated as it was at the crossroads of slave routes between Europe and Africa. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
- Directed By
- Pierre-Yves Borgeaud
- Genres
- Documentary, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Aug 29, 2008 Wide
- Studio
- Filmcoopi Zürich
Critic Reviews
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Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle
Conversations full of memorable words and what can only be called 'genuineness' push Youssou N'Dour: Return to Gorée into the realm of unforgettable filmmaking.
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Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Trace[s] influences and celebrate connections with tunes to make you tap and sway.
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Aaron Hillis, Village Voice
Points to Bourgeaud for not whitewashing the beautifully awkward moments of cultural misunderstanding
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Mike Scott, Times-Picayune
It provides ample moments for reflection -- and maybe, judging by the reactions of the American musicians who go back home in his film, a little bit of healing, too
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Matthew Nestel, Boxoffice Magazine
The serious undertones of the film are very real and played out with rapture.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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