Random Thoughts

I acquired this documentary via non-traditional means. You’d think this would be the kind of thing that Amazon Video or Netflix would carry, but no…

Anyway, this is about the current Sudanese civil war, which is mainly between the northerners (who totally suck) and the Blue Nile (and Nuba) people in the south (who are totally awesome and cool). I’m just summarising the insights I’ve had from this film.

I mean, this may well be true, but… it’s so one-sided that it’s not very effective propaganda.

So while it’s perhaps dubious factually (or not; I have absolutely no idea), it’s a well-made documentary otherwise. Lots of great music and dancing, interesting cinematography, snappy editing and engaging interview subjects.

Beats of the Antonov. Hajooj Kuka. 2014. Sudan.

Karkade Tequila

• 1 part sugar
• 1 part lime juice
• 2 parts tequila
• 5 parts hibiscus flower tea
• a few dashes of habanero sauce

Make the hibiscus tea and chill. Pour all the ingredients into a glass with ice and stir.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.

I just can’t figure out what the correct aspect ratio of this film is supposed to be. By default, it plays as a 4:3 film, and everybody looks too skinny and kinda squashed. If I go to 16:9, everybody looks a bit on the wide side. So probably somewhere in between is the right answer…

Anyway! This is another one of those films that’s all about the birth of the nation in question. But unlike virtually all of these films, it keeps the scope small and concentrates on a few people in one specific small village, and shows us the story through their eyes.

It works! It’s interesting and it’s moving and it’s original.

Most of the actors are pretty wooden, though.

Tabataba. Raymond Rajaonarivelo. 1988. Madagascar.

Madagascar Margarita

• 1 part vanilla liqueur
• 3 parts tequila
• jalapeño peppers
• a dash of agave nectar

Muddle the peppers in a mixing glass. Add the other ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a jalapeño and a lemon wheel.

I think I over-muddled the jalapeño, because that’s very… strong. I have a feeling that chili fans would really love this, because it’s very tasty. Once you get over the burning sensation. I might re-make this with one tenth of the chili I used here.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.

What they were aiming for with this film is crystal clear: A heaving, empathetic nation building film. And it has one thing going for it, and that’s the beautiful shots from the Savannah.

But it’s intensely boring: Every scene a cliché of one kind or another. None of the actors are compelling, either. And while it aims for epicness, so many scenes are so small and dull.

And it just goes on forever and ever and ever.

Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation. Charles Burnett. 2007. Namibia.

Amarula Brown Elephant

• 1 part Amarula cream
• 1 part milk
• 1 part Coca Cola

Shake milk and Amarula vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled glass, add the Coke, and stir lightly.

This post is part of the World of Films and Cocktails series. Explore the map.