Watch Viva Riva!

Viva Riva! from 2010 is an action-packed, Congolese crime thriller directed by Djo Munga. The film centers around Riva (Patsha Bay), a small-time hustler who illegally transports gasoline from Angola to Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Upon arriving, Riva quickly becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with notorious gangster, César (Hoji Fortuna), as well as falling for his beautiful girlfriend, Nora (Manie Malone).

The movie starts off with a bang, showcasing a high-speed chase across the Angolan-Congolese border that immediately sets the tone for the film's fast-paced, action-packed narrative. We are then introduced to Riva, who is portrayed as a charismatic, womanizing crook with a penchant for fast cars and high-stakes gambling. Despite his initially carefree character, however, it soon becomes clear that Riva is a man on the run, with dangerous enemies hot on his trail.

Unaware of the trouble that awaits him in Kinshasa, Riva reunites with childhood friend, J.M. (Alex Herabo), and begins to live it up in the city's hedonistic nightlife. However, his partying comes to an abrupt end when he crosses paths with César and his vicious gang, who will stop at nothing to get their hands on Riva's valuable cargo.

Throughout the movie, we witness Riva's attempts to evade César and his henchmen, who are constantly hot on his trail. From shootouts on the streets of Kinshasa to high-speed car chases, the film is full of thrilling, albeit violent, action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. In between the high-octane scenes, we also see Riva's relationship with Nora develop, as the two become increasingly drawn to each other despite the dangerous circumstances in which they find themselves.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its portrayal of Kinshasa. The city is brought to life through Munga's vivid direction, showcasing the vibrancy and energy of its people whilst also highlighting its darker, seedy underbelly. The portrayal of Kinshasa as a city of both opportunity and danger serves as a reflection of Riva's own journey throughout the movie.

The movie's strong performances also contribute to its success. Bay gives an engaging performance as Riva, portraying the character's charm and wit alongside a sense of vulnerability as he navigates the dangerous world of the Congolese criminal underworld. Malone is equally impressive as Nora, bringing a sense of depth and complexity to what could have easily been a stereotypical love interest role. Additionally, Diplome Amekindra gives a standout performance as the determined police officer, Azor, who is determined to take down both Riva and César.

Overall, Viva Riva! is a thrilling, if at times confronting, crime movie that shines a light on a side of Africa that is often overlooked in the mainstream. With its fast-paced action, strong performances, and vivid portrayal of Kinshasa, the movie is a must-see for fans of the genre.

Viva Riva! is a 2011 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 65.