This film had the potential to tell a powerful story, but unfortunately, it gets bogged down by its own ambitions. Right from the start, I felt the movie was longer than it needed to be. The pacing is uneven, with scenes that linger far too long, and a narrative that feels stretched to its breaking point. This excessive length robs the film of any urgency or momentum, making it a slog to get through, especially in the second half. One of the film's biggest issues is its overly sentimental tone. While I understand the intent to pull at the heartstrings, the execution often feels forced and manipulative. There are moments that could have been genuinely moving, but they're undermined by a heavy-handed approach that lays on the emotion too thick. Instead of being swept up in the story, I found myself distanced by how calculated the film's emotional beats felt.
The biggest letdown, however, is the third act. After spending so much time building up the characters and their struggles, the film's resolution not only feels rushed but also sends a troubling message. The choices made by the characters in the final moments seem out of step with the rest of the film, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the story was doing a disservice to its own themes. What could have been a powerful statement about resilience and unity ends up feeling shallow and misguided.
While A Tribe Called Judah has some strong performances and moments of visual beauty, these are overshadowed by its flaws. The film's length, over-sentimentality, and ultimately disappointing third act make it a frustrating experience. It's a movie that reaches for greatness but falls short, leaving me more exasperated than inspired.
