Yeelen (Brightness) (1987)

86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(681 ratings)

Filmed in the African country of Mali, Yeelen (Brightness) weaves several Kenyan folk stories into an engaging framework. The hero is a young boy whose father is an evil magician. Marked for death by his long-absent papa, the boy bids goodbye to his mother and heads for the hills. En route to his… More Filmed in the African country of Mali, Yeelen (Brightness) weaves several Kenyan folk stories into an engaging framework. The hero is a young boy whose father is an evil magician. Marked for death by his long-absent papa, the boy bids goodbye to his mother and heads for the hills. En route to his kindly uncle, our hero utilizes his own conjuring skills for the benefit of those less fortunate than himself; he also rescues a king from being deposed. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Souleymane Cissé
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1987 Wide
On DVD: Oct 28, 2003

Critic Reviews

Leo Goldsmith, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
Like many stories of creation, Yeelen begins with light: the sun rises over a barren West African landscape.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A visually spellbinding masterpiece.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
It's a sign of true genius that a director can summon the rise, fall and subsequent rebirth of the cosmos with such a profound understanding and respect for the shape of things.
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies
Very effective in transporting you to its time and setting.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]In "Yeelen", Niankoro(Issiaka Kane) and his mother(Soumba Traore) have been on the run from his father, Soma(Niamanto Sanogo), for the past ten years. But now he is quickly closing in.(Niankoro, now a young man, is like his father, a wizard.) Partially… More
[font=Century Gothic]In "Yeelen", Niankoro(Issiaka Kane) and his mother(Soumba Traore) have been on the run from his father, Soma(Niamanto Sanogo), for the past ten years. But now he is quickly closing in.(Niankoro, now a young man, is like his father, a wizard.) Partially out of desperation, his mother formulates a plan where her and her son are to split up. While she petitions help from higher powers, she gives him a fetish and glass pyramid to give to his uncle, so he can reconcile father and son.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"Yeelen" is a resplendently spiritual movie about the world changing which is personified in the conflict between father and son. Soma perhaps rightfully fears his son becoming more powerful than him and taking his place, and seeks to stop his ascension. In the meantime, Niankoro has power but not quite the knowledge of the world to go along with it.[/font]

Cast

Issiaka Kane
as Nianankoro
Niamanto Sanogo
as Soma
Youssouf Tenin Cisse
as Le petit garcon d'Attou

Balla Moussa Keita
as Rouma Boll the king Peul
Aoua Sangare
as Attou la jeune femme Peul
Koke Sangare
as Le chef de Komo

See full cast

Yeelen (Brightness) (1987)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Walter M

Cast