Le Miel d'Harar

First DO read the review from Hawwiko. The review is enlightening.

I would love to know if there have been any Caucasian person that was orphaned in the Arabic world that grew up as a Muslim. I could not find any record of it but the question itself and the movie offers a great question about that.

I too loved Dakota Fanning's performance and I thought more importantly that even though she played it as a Muslim who grew up in the Muslim world and as a Caucasian she still enjoyed special privileges' not offered to others of color. It showed the inherent racism in the world.

Having it happen in Ethiopia also showed the class struggle that is taking place as the rich look to prosper off the backs of others.

Why the doctor was attracted to her in the first place I question but I will leave it at that. See the movie if you get the chance.

So far every movie project she has been on is worth seeing.

So? A white girl played the lead. Get over it everybody. How can it be that absolute dross gets thrown at us in spades and yet this gem practically went by unnoticed? I discovered this film by accident, and so glad I did. And then I notice nine reviews. Nine! And most of them negative. A tragedy.

I'm not Ethiopian so I can't say for sure how accurate this was, but a great story about something we hear little about. My Amharic is rusty too but Dakota seemed to be doing a bang up job. Well done to her. I would read the book it was based on.

This is the tale of the human experience told through the eyes of the women and the lost ones, well told, using a lost European as the focus of the tale, experiencing the story from the local perspective, adds to the depth of meaning. The story of the men is largely not shown, but this conflict was created by men, run by men while ignoring the plight of their families. A fitting tale.

I will admit, as an Ethiopian, I braced myself for offense when I sat down to watch this film. It is a bit unusual to see a white woman portray the Ethiopian refugee experience, but in all honesty, Dakota gives a sincere and worthy portrayal with a character that gives careful attention to her privileges. The circumstances surrounding the story and the other Ethiopian women are rich and authentic. You can see by her response to casting criticism, she does understand the heart of the story she is telling. It brought back memories for my parents as they watched so it was a worthy effort. Particularly her attempts at the Amharic language. 👌🏽 If your on the fence, I do reccomend giving it a look. I'm glad I did.

I recently watched Sweetness in the Belly (2019) on Tubi. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of civil war in Africa during the 1970s, leading to a wave of refugees fleeing from areas surrounding Ethiopia to Europe. Among them is a refugee who, upon securing a job at a hospital, forms a deep bond with an African doctor.

Directed by Zeresenay Mehari (Difret) and featuring a talented cast including Dakota Fanning (Man on Fire), Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman), and Sophie Kennedy Clark (Sorority).

While Sweetness in the Belly possesses the necessary elements for a compelling character-driven narrative, it ultimately falls short. The performances are commendable, with Fanning, Mosaku, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II displaying excellent chemistry. The settings and overall premise offer depth and intensity, complemented by well-developed character backstories and subplots. Smart twists and turns keep the story engaging. However, the film suffers from significant lulls where it feels stagnant, failing to fully convey the desperation of the characters' circumstances. Additionally, a more impactful conclusion could have elevated the overall journey.

In conclusion, Sweetness in the Belly presents enough worthwhile elements to warrant a viewing, but it lacks the standout qualities to make it memorable. I would rate it 6/10 and suggest seeing it once for its commendable performances and intriguing premise.