Watch Yeelen

Yeelen is a 1987 film by Malian director Souleymane Cissé. The film is based on an African folktale and follows the journey of a young man named Niankoro, who has mystical powers and is searching for his father to receive his blessing. The film was the first African film to win a prize at the Cannes Film Festival and has been praised for its powerful storytelling and stunning cinematography.

The film takes place in a rural village in Mali and follows Niankoro as he sets out on a journey to his father's village. Along the way, he is pursued by his evil half-brother, who wants to steal his mystical powers. Niankoro is accompanied by his mentor, a blind old man named Djigui, who acts as his guide through the dangerous wilderness.

As they journey deeper into the heart of Mali, they encounter a number of obstacles, including deadly snakes and fierce warriors. Niankoro must use his mystical powers to overcome these obstacles and continue on his journey. Along the way, he meets an old man who gives him a magical stone that he can use to communicate with his father.

When Niankoro finally reaches his father's village, he is welcomed with open arms. His father, a powerful sorcerer, blesses him and gives him the power to defeat his evil half-brother. With the help of his newfound powers, Niankoro confronts his brother and defeats him in a battle of wills.

Yeelen is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty and majesty of the African wilderness. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping landscapes and close-up shots of intricate tribal costumes and jewelry. The film is also notable for its use of traditional African music, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

The film is also notable for its use of symbolism and allegory. The story of Niankoro can be seen as a metaphor for the struggle between tradition and modernity in Africa. Niankoro represents the old ways, with his mystical powers and connection to the natural world, while his half-brother represents the modern world, with his guns and technology. The film suggests that Africa needs to find a way to balance these two worlds in order to thrive.

Overall, Yeelen is a powerful and moving film that will appeal to anyone who is interested in African culture and folklore. It is a timeless story that speaks to universal themes of family, identity, and the struggle between good and evil. If you are looking for a film that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, then Yeelen is definitely worth checking out.

Yeelen is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.