Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mr grits (A) on April 05, 2012 at 09:52:37

Adam, a former Chadian swimming champion, works at a "luxury" hotel in the capitol. His son, Abdel, is his assistant. They have a very serene life despite a rebel onslaught against the current government. The new owners notice that "Champ" sits down a lot during the day while his son does the work. This forces Champ into a situation of having to move to the street gate while his son (20 years old) takes over the pool. Champ's dignity and pride are crushed and he can hardly speak to his family as a result. Because of this, Champ falls behind on his "war tax" which is collected somewhat informally and instead of catching up on it he silently lets Abdel be given to the draft. Once that happens Champ returns to the pool and he is now drowning in guilt.

Abdel's girlfriend appears and Champ's wife decides she must live with them since she is pregnant with Abdel's child. Very touching and a gesture not seen often in Western culture. As the rebels become stronger and hand defeats to the government forces Champ's guilt drives him to find his son. He makes a journey on a motorcyle with sidecar wearing a swim mask for goggles. When he reaches the outpost where his son is they are united and begin the journey home to be a whole family again.

This is a very simple story and its simplicity is its virtue by pacing itself with life in Chad. Not only is it a good look at an African culture but a good look at the virtues of its people.

Edits: 04/05/12