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Issiaka Kane, Niamanto Sanogo, Youssouf Tenin Cisse, Balla Moussa Keita, Aoua Sangare ... see more see more... , Koke Sangare , Ismaila Sarr , Soumba Traore , Monzon Coumare , Souleymane Coumare , Sidi Diallo , Brehima Doumbia , Nadje Doumbia , Tienan Fane , Sibiri Kone , Seyba M'Baye , Toumani Soumaoro , Djemori Traore , Dounanke Traore , Sekou Konate

Filmed in the African country of Mali, Yeelen (Brightness) weaves several Kenyan folk stories into an engaging framework. The hero is a young boy whose father is an evil magician. Marked for death by ... read more read more...his long-absent papa, the boy bids goodbye to his mother and heads for the hills. En route to his kindly uncle, our hero utilizes his own conjuring skills for the benefit of those less fortunate than himself; he also rescues a king from being deposed. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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68% liked it

686 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

7 critics

R, 1 hr. 46 min.

Directed by: Souleymane Cissé

Release Date: January 1, 1987

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DVD Release Date: October 28, 2003

Stats: 36 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (36)

  • gator681
    May 12, 2010
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]In "Yeelen", Niankoro(Issiaka Kane) and his mother(Soumba Traore) have been on the run from his father, Soma(Niamanto Sanogo), for the past ten years. But now he is quickly closing in.(Niankoro, now a young man, is like his father, a wizard.) Partially out ... read moreof desperation, his mother formulates a plan where her and her son are to split up. While she petitions help from higher powers, she gives him a fetish and glass pyramid to give to his uncle, so he can reconcile father and son.[/font]
    [font=Century Gothic][/font]
    [font=Century Gothic]"Yeelen" is a resplendently spiritual movie about the world changing which is personified in the conflict between father and son. Soma perhaps rightfully fears his son becoming more powerful than him and taking his place, and seeks to stop his ascension. In the meantime, Niankoro has power but not quite the knowledge of the world to go along with it.[/font]

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Critic Reviews

Leo Goldsmith
May 17, 2004
Leo Goldsmith, Not Coming to a Theater Near You

Like many stories of creation, Yeelen begins with light: the sun rises over a barren West African landscape. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
December 17, 2003
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A visually spellbinding masterpiece. Full Review

Ed Gonzalez
September 21, 2003
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine

It's a sign of true genius that a director can summon the rise, fall and subsequent rebirth of the cosmos with such a profound understanding and respect for the shape of things. Full Review

Michael W. Phillips, Jr.
February 28, 2002
Michael W. Phillips, Jr., Goatdog's Movies

Very effective in transporting you to its time and setting. Full Review

Caryn James
August 30, 2004
Caryn James, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Hal Hinson
January 1, 2000
Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Click to read the article Full Review

Michael Szymanski
October 7, 2005
Michael Szymanski, International Press Academy

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
July 12, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

July 30, 2003
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Click to read the article Full Review

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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