LOVE Death

100 Days

The main focus is on the genocide involving the Hutus and the Tutsis. HOWEVER, instead of being informative/formal there is twist to the telling of many deaths. The LOVE factor added a twist to the movie as director Nick Hughes attempts to pull away from the typical Rwandan documentary (not that documentaries aren’t important). There was a difference in atmosphere as Josette and Baptiste were two lovers standing out away from the turmoil while still in the turmoil. Their love is an innocence in life as they want to experience each other in all sorts of ways. Josette seems a little held back as Baptiste is really into her telling him that they have so much time for their love to flourish. It seems as though LOVE wants to give a break or a sense of security away from the actual reality of death. Although, in the end it is clearly seen as a clear wipe out of the Tutsi people. It is a genocide. It is massacre. It is DEATH.





Another significant aspect of the movie are the children. Everything seemed to be dedicated/done for the children, for the future. Many were taught to hate Tutsi because of smell (and other things), with this the deaths were acceptable because of what Hutu parents placed in their mindsets. Nick Hughes emphasizes the children as many of them suffered (Tutsi) because of the differences that ranged from smell to appearance. The children are seen with such intensity and strength in the movie from both sides. For example, those Hutu that watch their Tutsi friends die and believe it to be fine as they “deserve it.” On the side of perspective the kids(Tutsi) stand quite and usually just take whatever method of death is taken to them by Hutu. The kids that were to get burned in the chapel stood their and said nothing as they were to die. The importance of the children’s focus is that they are young and those that survive will remember whether they suffered deaths, or massacred other families (Tutsis specifically). The future is not guaranteed as much revenge, spite, and hate still grows in those Rwandans that suffered or want to bring about suffering because of their childhood experiences/loses.

Women Zoom Zoom Zoom

Faat Kine’ by Ousmane Sembene establishes two significant aspects of progression through Kine (women) and modernization (cars). Kine demonstrates the strength and perseverance that Sembene sees in women dealing with a society (post colonial society) of male “superiority.” Sembene also intertwines modernization in this case with SEVERAL shots and locations with/of cars emphasizing modernization, progression, and transportation. The mix of the two are enforced through Kine who demonstrates the strength and will to succeed in society. The progress of women is seen through the ownership and movement in the working industry. In this case, Kine manages a gas station, without the help of any man. Again, Sembene intertwines the two together as strong aspects of cultural progression. She runs a gas station as one key aspect, and two there are cars (intentionally paced) in most of the shots during the movie.
The zooming in and out of Kine’s face as well as cars emphasize the power that they both carry. Transportation being significant is key, and Kine as a woman managing it, tops it off more so as she is a successful independent woman. Sembene focuses on the development, strength, progress and success of women in society through a character such as Kine. Her power throughout the movie is just as significant as the power and usage of transportation. She is in charge and usually has the upper hand as she pays for sexual services, owns a gas station, orders men around. An interesting thing to see through her character is the perseverance and progression she has made because of the fact that she was practically screwed over by men since childhood. As harsh as her setbacks seem/are Kine moves on, demonstrating strength, independence, and WOMAN, especially as a single mother. Just as Kine is significant in displaying Sembene’s view of the strength of women, it is more noticeable with the strength the camera gives her throughout the movie as she is given close ups. The close ups and separation between Kine and males demonstrates the progress of women, and the power that women have attained. The close ups on Kine also demonstrate the level she is on as opposed to those (usually men) around her, she is centered and focused on closely giving her once again the upper hand. The men are not convincing whatsoever (ignorant), as Kine stands above them.
The significance of transportation goes also beyond just cars. It is the impact that women have in mobilization/modernization. Kine runs a gas station, as typical as it sounds there is probably more of an expectation on men rather than women when talking or dealing with transportation (cars, gas station, buses, etc) of any sort. However, Sembene demonstrates otherwise, as the blend of cars and Kine demonstrate women in power alone as just beings, and women in power in the industry.