Motherland (I) (2016) User Reviews

Compelling powerful drama

[NZfilmfinder · 8/10 · 23 February 2021]

An illegal refugee from Mali arrives abruptly at a small bookstore in London to reconnect with the British owner and discuss the fate of his family in west Africa and the connection they both share with his Mother. The film explores politics, religion love and war set against the backdrop of this tiny bookstore and these two people from vastly different worlds connected by one women. It is a powerful story the sheds light on the plight of the African nations destabilised by military extremists and the heavy toll on human life. The performances from the two leads are incredibly engaging and this is a gripping and poignant film.

Excellent Film

[ltoner-15310 · 10/10 · 31 January 2021]

This is an excellent film, which draws attention to a little-known civil war in Mali. The acting is tremendous. Most of the story takes place in one location, but it is still absolutely compelling. That's not easy to do!! Only complaint is that it's too short!

Beautiful and Impactful Film

[rwdenis · 10/10 · 8 February 2021]

This beautiful film accomplishes more emotionally and with narrative in 41 minutes than many films would in 3 hours. We meet two characters from different corners of the world who are unsure if they share common ground, or if they are on a collision course. We go quickly from watching from a distance to being drawn in emotionally on the strength (and fragility) of the characters. The acting is excellent and intense. And the audience is left to make their own conclusions on characters and motivations - conclusions are not contrived or forced. Hreno lets us make our own determinations of the characters and their motivations. Nothing however can prepare you for the ending. One is left with both a sense of despair and the sense that we are all connected. This rich and moody drama catches the many (and conflicted) nuances of emotions and rationality. An amazing accomplishment in such a short time.

Gem

[kmethi · 10/10 · 12 February 2021]

A gem of a short film on Amazon Prime. The film is set in Mali and London, and captures in a stark and humane way one of the reasons people migrate to the West. I had little knowledge of the civil war in Mali and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the country until I saw this film. Some of the younger actors are superb.

Powerful performances

[ayekah-09449 · 10/10 · 14 June 2021]

Really powerful performance, beautiful music, and an interesting perspective on an important topic. The two actors were great, and I enjoyed the flow of the story over the short period of time.

A real find - intense, gripping

[jojordan2003 · 10/10 · 5 February 2021]

This is a beautiful short film. It's beautifully shot and the story is gripping and you can't tell what is going to happen next. The lead performance is unforgettable . Definitely worth spending 40 minutes of life on.

Powerful!

[terconsulting-62807 · 17 February 2021]

I was engrossed in this film. Beautifully shot, gripping story and great acting.