The movie "Sankofa," directed by Haile Gerima, is a powerful and emotional exploration of the harsh realities of slavery. Set in Ghana, the story follows Mona, an African-American model, who is transported back in time to the Lafayette Plantation, experiencing the brutalities of slavery. The film evokes a range of emotions, including questioning, confusion, suspense, sadness, empathy, anguish, anger, and pain. Once transported back in time, there was a sense of lack of awareness of conflict with
identity.
The authenticity of the cast's performance is evident, as they effectively convey the horrors and traumas of slavery through body language, even without audio. The use of the Akan language and drum instruments at the beginning and end enhances the cultural authenticity and rhythm, creating a chilling and uneasy atmosphere.
The movie prompts reflection on beliefs, particularly about religion. It points out the manipulation and control the white man exerted over the black man's mental state, exposing the disheartening impact of Christianity as the "white man's" religion. The film emphasizes how those born into slavery were easier to brainwash than those who were forced into it. However, the stolen individuals, by keeping their ancestors' stories alive, found strength and a connection that eventually set them free from mental shackles.
Hi Jonia!
Ok this by far is the best for me. I watched this many years ago and it has been a part of my life ever since! Made me look at life so differently and everywhere I go I talk about this movie! The bird itself is awesome but, the bit idea here for me was that we should not play around with our history, and we should take slavery very seriously. This was no laughing or funny situation. I forever will give homage to my ancestors for the pain they endured.
Many blessings. so glad you selected this movie to watch...
This movie must really show the harsh realities of slavery as this is the second review I have read concerning this movie. It is quite amazing how the white man used religion to turn the Africans against each other and used Christianity to downplay their worth. This just tells you how someone can twist the English words to make something that makes no sense, make sense.
I second the ideas of religion that you mentioned. It was interesting to see what was condoned as Christianity. I know there were other views that are out pertaining to a God and how religion works. The film brought way to how it was used as trickery to turn the Africans against each other. It was so open that a “follower of Christ” killed his mother in the name of her being the devil. We witnessed the “father of the church” tell him to disobey his mother when in today’s world, the bible says to honor your mother and your father.