Imagine a kid watching the the original Lion King for the 37th time as he screams in agony from the Chickenpox. That kid was me. The Chickenpox are strong. However, the power of The Lion King (1994) is stronger. My father swears he had to watch that movie with me day and night to get me through that time. Thus, I have a deep affection for this week’s movie but equally complicated feelings for them remaking a foundational piece to my movie loving lore. I came up a few years short of getting the vaccine to prevent the Chickenpox disease. Here’s hoping that this new version of my childhood classic doesn’t come up short as well. If getting lost in Africa can help with the Chickenpox, it is a true getaway movie and we’ve prepared ten more movies to escape from reality and into Africa in this week’s Best Ever Challenge.
When was the last time that Bruce Willis really seemed to care about a role? The last starring role that it seemed like he was giving his all in was 2003’s Tears of the Sun. It’s the story of LT. Waters and his team of elite SEALs who are sent into the Nigerian jungle during a time of rebellion and genocide in order to rescue an American doctor who will only cooperate with them if they agree to also save the 70 refugees in her care. Director Antoine Fuqua insisted in casting real African Refugees as cast members to capture a sense of authenticity. When they break down in tears during one pivotal scene there’s no acting involved, it’s them re-living real memories. It’s this authenticity that is rarely reflected in similar films and adds real weight here. I could go on about the interesting behind the scenes, the fantastic score, etc.…but I’ll end with this thought: Tears of the Sun is unique in that it is neither a patriotic war movie nor a pulse pounding action flick, it’s actually an emotional, brutal drama about hate, humanity, and how we as Americans confront them. The final scene of refugees trying to escape a horrible situation at a border and being repeatedly denied entry is more relevant today than ever and the final quote put on screen, “All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing,” has never been more convicting. (Issac Horvat)
Casablanca is a classic for a reason. Set in Morroco during the Nazi expansion across Europe, the film represents all that these people were going through as they searched for somewhere safe to avoid the Nazi’s. The character development and portrayal between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is palpable and the audience becomes invested in their back and forth relationship and how it evolves over the course of the film. The story and actors portray a time that many of us were not around for and showcase the important role that countries, in this case Africa, played in helping those fleeing the Nazi regime. Many of the themes that are present in Casablanca still resonate with today’s audiences, which is how this classic continues to find a fan base with every new movie watching generation. (Megan Brown)
Before Netflix distributed the breathtaking Roma, there was another powerful and carefully crafted film named Beast of no Nation. The film is a lesson in what war can do to a Nation and moreover how it can mold it’s youth. This is the tale of Agu, a child ripped from his family and made to fight a Civil War in Africa that he never wanted any part of. The aspect of this film that makes it truly hairraising and horrifying is that this actually takes place everyday and is commonplace in African Countries. Children are brainwashed to become killing machines in a cause that shouldn’t concern them. The audience gets to peer through the view of Agu as he transforms from an everyday child in Africa to a ruthless soldier. Abraham Attah provides a stellar performance as Agu, he becomes the perfect avatar to experience the tragedies that have befallen him. You feel great empathy when he is going through difficult life or death situations and you can’t help but fear for his well being at every twist and turn. Beast of no Nation is a film that will gut you. (Joseph Vargas)
When Neill Blomkamp delivered District 9 to an unsuspecting world one thing was immediately clear. The man knew how to world build. There have been plenty of sci-fi films through the years to explore invasion as a corollary to nationalism and tribalism, but Blomkamp found a way to layer in those references and themes as a native South African, while at the same time building a universe that held mystery, tension, and even empathy. It’s a strange concoction of emotion and adrenaline textured into a world that feels lived in to it’s very core. If nothing else see District 9 because it’s an incredible story, but stay because it’s also an incredible ride. (Papa Sift)
I would bet you money that this film is at least the longest film on this list. If it doesn’t reach number one, at least it will win the length award! Centered around ancient Egypt, The Ten Commandments is the bar for all other biblical epics that came before and will ever come after it. Cecil B. DeMille captures the true grandeur of the Egyptian pyramids and the pharaohs while also telling the timeless tale of Moses and the freeing of the Jews. Yul Brenner was a phenom of the time, Vincent Price and E.G. Robinson were veterans of the acting world, and Anne Baxter was mesmerizing on screen. But the real star is the always commanding and towering performance of Charlton Heston as Moses himself. Heston is one of my favorite actors of all time and he stands tall among the great Egyptian landscape of the film. Forever a classic that will always be watched the night before Easter…for five hours…with commercials. (Shane Conto)
With all of the movies in the MCU, it’s tough for one to stand out among the rest. Black Panther does so for so many reasons. It’s masterfully directed, has incredible cinematography, fantastic characters, outstanding action scenes, and deep and memorable themes. This is probably the MCU film that stands out visually more than any other. The way Ryan Coogler shoots his action scenes and communicates his ideas through camera movement is second to none in this whole franchise. It shows what can be done in this universe when a director is allowed to carry out their vision, but still have it connected to the overarching story. But the best part about it is how it creates a relatable and understandable villain. Killmonger is a character with good ideas, but who takes them just a little bit too far – exactly what you want from a good villain. The film is able to address racial issues without gloating about how it brings much-needed diversity into the genre. Out of all the superhero movies that have come out during this era, this is one of the few that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. (Robert Bouffard)
Let’s talk just for a second about the most incredible movie that you really can’t watch many times. Hotel Rwandais the true story of a hotel manager who manages a refugee camp in the middle of one of the worst and most senseless genocides in human history. With 1,000,000 people slaughtered in 3 months, this movie follows Paul as he struggles to provide shelter and safety among the fiercest oppression. This movie has an incredible story and a powerful message, but all of it could have gone on the wayside by either being too boring or too violent and, while this is an incredibly violent film, it all seems very necessary. Without creating unnecessary conflict for plot depth or even lingering in areas that will make you check your watch. This movie is riveting, carried by Don Cheadle in what will undoubtedly be known in the future as the best performance of his career. The best way to know about this movie is simply to experience it, so I will not go into too much detail, but will leave you with this declaration that Hotel Rwandais not only a cinematic achievement, but also absolutely one of the most important movies of the 21stcentury and you should check it out. (Aaron Schweitzer )
Africa is a continent characterized by environment, culture, and wildlife. Luckily, The Lion King both represents a beautiful amalgamation of everything that makes Africa uniquely wonderful and is one of the greatest animated films ever made. It’s no secret that the story of The Lion King is (essentially) the same as Hamlet; however, I’d argue that the film succeeds in a different sense by using animals. By using animals, the filmmakers are able to gorgeously animate the wildlife of Africa. The soundtrack and score of The Lion King, fondly remembered by millions, is filled with chants, drum beats, and tribal instruments representative of African culture. Likewise with the score, The Lion King also contains multiple animal noises that accompanies character dialogue thus blending the sound of human and animal together. (Dylon Turner)
I can’t help but look back on Blood Diamond with a type of longing nostalgia. We don’t really get movies like this now. Take a big name star, throw him in a high stakes action drama, and give the film something deeply human to say. Djimon Hounsou gives the case in this movie for why he sits a top of the list of “Best Actors Never to Fully Break Out” as he acts opposite of DiCaprio. Tense scenes, emotional character moments, and a conclusion that will hit you right in the feels. (Blake Hodges)
Black Hawk Down is one of those war movies I don’t hear much talk about these days. It’s intense, violent, and captures exactly what it feels like to be on this mission. Brought to us by Director “Ridley Scott” comes the film adaptaion based on the true story 160 U.S soldiers who are sent to somalia to find and capture two lieutenants of a renagade warlord. Along the way they run into a battle with somalis and must survive. Because this is a war movie, I do need to be careful who I recommend this to. This is a very intense journey after all and it’s not for everyone. The way action scenes are presented are great in my opinion, you feel like a member along for the ride for this intense journey. The way the Director films with handheld for most of the actions scenes really keeps you invested in what’s happenning around our main characters. If you are looking for a good war movie, Black Hawk Down is one you should definatley catch. (Alex Henderson)
Honorable Mentions
The African Queen
Hollywood has always prided itself on being a town filled with movies stars. Big franchises and adaptations have re-shaped today’s film industry and the “movie star” has become less of a draw. The 1950’s were still a time when big names sold a film and not many films can boast a dynamic duo quite like The African Queen. Katherine Hepburn is refined and proper in spite of the hot and disgusting landscape of the film. Humphrey Bogart is gritty and dirty but says it like it is. This odd couple creates fire with their impressive chemistry and star power. By the end of the film, you are rooting for this ragtag pair to finally come together. But it is not just this powerful pairing that sells this film. John Huston expertly captures the great landscape of the African jungle as he takes the audience on an affecting and exciting adventure. This is a classic film that definitely stands the test of time and is worth your time. And on a side note, so is the film that is a fictitious take on the making of this film. Make a double feature of The African Queen and Clint Eastwood’s White Hunter Black Heart! (Shane Conto)
Also See:
Captain Phillips, Queen of Katwe, The English Patient, Out of Africa, The Gods Must Be Crazy, Amistad, When We Were Kings, The Last King of Scotland, Gorillas in the Mist, Invictus, The Good Lie