Destiny (1997)
1h 27m | PG-13
Though gay-themed stories about "coming out" and accepting one's sexuality are not uncommon in Western countries, such tales are still rare in many conservative African nations. Considered a ground-breaking film in its native Guinea, and filmed amidst a storm of controversy, Mohamed Camara's Dakan is the first of its nations films to directly address issues surrounding homosexuality. The story centers on the romance between two 20-year-old men, Manga and Sory who are first seen making out in a car. The trouble begins when Manga tells his widowed mother about his love for Sory, who is busy contending with his outraged father. The parents insist that the two never see each other again. Manga's mother then uses witchcraft to cleanse her son and change him into a heterosexual. Time passes and eventually Manga begins to date a girl. But it soon becomes apparent that try as he might, Manga's heart belongs to Sory.
Director: Mohamed Camara
Studio: Film Du 20ème Créations Cinématographiques
Genre: Drama, Romance
Video: 720p
Cast
Mamady Mory Camara
as
Aboubacar Touré
as
Koumba Diakite
as
Cécile Bois
as Oumou
Kadé Seck
as
Reviews
<em>'Destiny'</em> holds good intentions about its subject matter, though strictly as a movie it is underwhelming. There isn't really much to connect to with those onscreen, aside from the key plot point, and the direction of the story felt too aimless and limply paced. The cast are fine, though I couldn't really enjoy them as there isn't much to grasp with their characters. They are also a bit shouty, which is grating. It's certainly an admirable film given it tackles bigotry, especially for the time, but purely as something to see it isn't the best; if not awful, granted.