Tree of Blood (1996)
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Done in the style of an African folk tale, this film, a collaboration between European and African countries, is said to be among the most elaborate, high tech film in African film. Exquisitely photographed and filled with archetypal figures to create a poetic look at nature's revenge against those who would exploit her. It is set in the forest village of Amanha Lundju, a place where the birth of children is celebrated by the planting of a tree. The trees are considered spiritual twins. But for every tree planted, the rapacious state destroys many more for firewood and lumber.
- Actors:
- Dulcenia Bidjanque, Djuco Bodjan, Dadu Cisse, Edna Evora, Bia Gomes, Adama Kouyaté, Ramiro Naka
- Directors:
- Flora Gomes
- Producers:
- Jean-Pierre Gallepe
- Writers:
- Anita Fernández, Flora Gomes
- Aka:
- Po di Sangui
- Genres:
- Drama
- Countries:
- Guinea Bissau
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Reviews (1) of Tree of Blood
Beautiful, Beyond Me - Tree of Blood review by griggs
Flora Gomes clearly has an eye — the gap here is mine, not his. Tree of Blood (Po di sangui) looks gorgeous throughout, all striking compositions and a strong sense of place, the kind of film you'd happily watch on mute and still come away impressed.
Where it lost me was the rhythm. This plays like something built from folk stories and beats I simply don't have the reference points for, and I'll admit I drifted for long stretches. There's clearly a lot going on beneath the surface that I couldn't quite follow, and that's on me — not the film's job to hold my hand through traditions I haven't grown up with.
I enjoyed Mortu Nega last year, then chased down the restoration at LFF a couple of weeks later, so this isn't me going cold on Gomes. This one just asked for context I hadn't brought with me.
One to watch again once I've done my homework — ideally with a director's commentary this time.