Felicidade

A woman, singing in a bar. Her son having a moto accident, being serious wonded. Her effort, hard , impressive to have money for the cure of boy. A great portrait of a side of Congo realities. Impressive for cinematography - admirable close ups - and, especially, for the performance of Vero Tshanda. Beya Mputu. Violence, pain, manipulation, selfishness, cruelty, all precise reflected . A minimalistic story of survive and force of women . And high significance of self sacrifice.

This film is a classic film about life in the cultural setting of the Congo. I was concerned this would be an emotionally heavy movie for no reason but it turned out to be an intriguing and at times even gripping film about life for what could have easily been one of us, a neighbor, or family member. You feel a connection to the characters and an affection for their imperfect perfections in just being people. What makes this a classic versus just a good film was the quality of the acting. In classic films where body language and relationship development are centered and words are reserved to emphasize the moment this film ensures you are watching every move of the characters as much as listening for what is said next. I'd recommend this film to anyone who enjoys the art of cinema.

The strong lead actors, the lively Congolese music in the small, smoky clubs, and the bizarre dream sequences worked together to enhance this dark portrayal of a feisty woman who strives to live by her own means. What would any of us not do to care for a child in desperate need, whether mother, father, family, or friend? I could feel Felicite's panic and determination as she tried to provide for her son's care. I went a little crazy right along with her. Been to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, but not DRC yet. Still the street scenes, the daily life felt familiar and true.

I have seen African Movies before, far better than this one , f.i. Timboktoe, . There are great singers in Congo, too bad . I had expected much more of the movie. Also the story was boring, there could be much more. It gives a good sight on Congo today the big cities, with people hungry for money (the woman at the hospital taking the medicine) ...

Set in Kinshasa, DR of the Congo, where a woman sings in a bar to support herself and her son. What is noteworthy is what seems to be the authentic poverty of the area and how people cope with it. Also noteworthy is the anger from having to fight for the basics of life that hopeless poverty engenders. Also noteworthy was how sexually manipulated females (to various degrees not uncommon throughout the world) continually are as they struggle to exist.