68. Red Island (L'île rouge); movie review

 

RED ISLAND (LÎLE ROUGE)

Cert 12A

117 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate sex references, domestic abuse, discrimination, strong language

Could being a member of the armed forces have ever been as cushy as this?

In the 1970s and 80s, it was undoubtedly true that some British tours were considered more comfortable than others.

For example, whole communities were set up at German bases while soldiers and their commanders were mainly involved in routine exercises rather than engagement.

It would appear from Robin Campillo's movie Red Island that the same applied to the French in their former colonies.

His movie is set on the East African island of Madagascar, which became independent from France in 1960.

It is set a decade later when the French still had a military base populated by officers, their families and ancillary staff.

The only obstacle to their stability is boredom.

So, there are too many parties and too much bathing by the pool and ultimately, relationships become fractious.

The scenario is seen through the eyes of eight-year-old Thomas (Charlie Vauselle), who spends his time between reading about a young superhero and spying on the adults.

He witnesses exaggerated behaviour and frustrations which he doesn't entirely understand - especially between his parents (Nadia Tereszkiewicz and Quim Gutiérrez).

Meanwhile, he dreams with his best friend (Cathy Pham) about a more exciting life where children tell the grow-ups what to do.

Red Island is a simmering period drama and expertly recreates the feeling of being on an occupying force's military base.

But it presumes knowledge about why the French are in Madagascar and offers no reason for the closing scenes outside the base.

Indeed, without the background, the film's finale is strangely incongruous.

Reasons to watch: Simmering period drama

Reasons to avoid: Presumes knowledge

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? On June 27, 1960, the day after independence, Paris and Antananarivo signed an accord that empowered France to protect Madagascar and to establish military bases on the island. 

The final word. Robin Campillo: "Making this film about Madagascar means talking about the transition from the 1960s to the 1970s; It’s this turning point, and the end of the Trente Glorieuses." Troiscouleurs

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