Goodbye Julia

1. If this movie has taught me anything it would be to not generalize 2. Put yourself in shoes of others

I myself I'm northern sudanese and I lived with southern Sudan people and my whole life I hear from people that south sudanese are are dirty, ignorant, thieves even though this is not the case at all not all of them are like this they are millions so how can you just say all of them.

We had a guard who was southern and he was very respectful, good hearted, hygienic and smart man. He was actually an English teacher he only worked for us to find shelter since there was no opportunities for him he can't give private lessons schools don't hire themI remember I use to go sit with him while he is marking exam papers.

They are people they have families dreams ambitions goals just like you but people still discriminate against all of them just because some one did bad thing and all of sudden all of them are bad people, I believe that there is no way in the world to judge someone other than individually because unlike you think we don't live in tribes anymore many people don't even know their neighbors, unlike chimps they can form group larger than 250 because they can't communicate so they almost have similar habits and traits but this is not the case anymore. This is why we all should put ourselves in shoes of innocent southern Sudanese people who has nothing to do with other southern Sudanese people because they don't live together they have nothing to do with them imagine terrible your life would be if you were them and unfair.

So I recommend all of you read the book black and white thinking by author Kevin Dutton.

This movie truly ranks among the finest I've seen. It unflinchingly explores the darker aspects of our world, unraveling the consequences of racism on seemingly regular people. Drawing parallels to the 2006 Oscar winner "Crash," it manages to maintain an air of mystery without revealing too much in the trailer.

The cinematography in this film is a visual feast, capturing the essence of each scene with striking precision. The acting performances are nothing short of superb, with the cast delivering powerful portrayals that breathe life into the characters. The dialogues are not just words; they are a captivating force that keeps you hooked, contributing significantly to the film's overall allure. The combination of excellent cinematography, stellar acting, and engaging dialogue elevates this movie to a cinematic masterpiece, deserving of its high rating.

I recommend approaching it with a fresh perspective, and I've given it a well-deserved 9-star rating for its engaging storytelling and exploration of a lesser-known territory.

A moving Sudanese drama, Goodbye Julia explores questions of guilt, atonement, and the intricacies of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Khartoum's tumultuous conditions, this film invites viewers to explore the raw emotions and societal tensions that shaped Sudan's history.

A former northern Sudanese singer named Mona (Eiman Yousif) is haunted by guilt as she nears the end of her career in the years leading up to South Sudan's 2011 independence. As a means of atonement for her complicity in the demise of a man from the South, she employs the innocent Julia (played by Siran Riak), the man's widow, as her housekeeper. As she adapts to her new reality, Mona struggles with her past and the inability to admit her wrongdoing. Little does she know that the country's turmoil will find its way into her home, forcing her to confront her sins face-to-face.

The film's tone oscillates between melancholy and hope. It delves into the human psyche, exposing how lies and distrust can lead to calamities-even when intentions are honourable. Loveless marriages, class structures, and the longing for voice resonate universally. As viewers, we witness the harsh realities faced by Sudanese people during a time of immense social and political upheaval.

Eiman Yousif and Siran Riak breathe life into their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, portraying the tension between North and South Sudan. Yousif's haunting songs add depth, while Riak's portrayal of an unsuspecting widow is both heartbreaking and powerful.

Kordofani's directorial debut surprises with its artistry. The film's visual language captures the essence of Sudan-its vibrant colours, dusty streets, and sun-soaked landscapes. Pierre de Villiers' cinematography immerses us in the characters' emotional turmoil. Mazin Hamid's score complements the narrative, evoking emotions that linger. The unexpected sound mixing heightens the impact. Heba Othman's editing maintains a steady pace, allowing the story to unfold organically.

The pacing of Goodbye Julia occasionally falters, and some scenes could be tighter. Yet, it's a soulful journey worth taking. For every Sudanese and anyone seeking a glimpse into a nation's heart, this movie is definitely worth watching.

I watched this movie in International Film festival in Kerala, India .

Set in the backdrop of undivided Sudan where Elite arab and Working class Local sudan people live together in Khartom. A Southern Sudan man is killed by an Arab because of a misunderstanding . Police remove his id card from the body and term it as "dead in rio" to save the Arab man. But his wife bribe the police man and find the details of the Southern man's wife and kid and bring them to her house . Then onwards it a saga of human emotions flow cutting the black and white divide. All charectors including the kid are well crafted . First sudani film I saw. Perfect story and direction + Good acting by all charector. The film also shows the plight of womanhood in Arab families.

A very beautiful movie, the movie surpassed itself in terms of direction, story, soundtrack, and even direction and acting were superb. The movie spoke with great honesty about the Sudanese reality. And a wonderful cast, I praise the actor Nizar Jumaa for his wonderful acting and his embodiment of the role in a beautiful way. The movie depicted for us a beautiful era and a smooth series of events without feeling bored and an acceptable ending. But there were some scenes that they were not successful in, or that in my opinion these scenes were not necessary and had no important message in the movie. In addition to the final song, which could have been chosen better, but this does not detract from the beauty of the movie and a story worth watching. I hope to see more works from the director and the actors, especially the actor Nizar Jumaa and a big praise for him. My rating for the movie is 8.8.