Brutal, gangster crime-drama from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chronicles the misadventures of an oil bandit and his sidekick as they run afoul of everyone from the police to the local crime boss.
"Blazing with torrid sex, mean-ass violence and lurid gangsta fashion choices, this slick, high-octane entertainment has been both a box office bonanza and the year’s big award winner amongst African films – to the chagrin of those who would take a more sober approach to the fever of corruption gripping every character in view." (Source: NZ International Film Festival 2011)
Some familiar cinematic conventions are delivered via a highly exotic context in this violent and sexually-charged crime thriller from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Filled with classic movie swagger, young n’er do well Riva (Patsha Bay) finds himself back in his home town of Kinshasa (the largest city in the Congo), with a pocketful of cash and a truckload of petrol. Which, in fuel-starved Kinshasa, makes him somewhat of a target.
But Riva just wants to have fun and he recruits his old buddy J.M. for a night on the town, which takes a turn for the perilous when Riva takes a shine to the local gangster’s moll (the stunning Manie Malone). Making matters worse is Riva’s old Angolan gangster boss Cesar (Hoji Fortuna), who has come to the Congo to track down his former employee.
The alien environment makes Viva Riva! a fascinating watch, as some clichés are embraced while others are turned on their head. Bay is an empathetic lead but he is blown off the screen by the angular Fortuna, who seems to carry himself with a permanent lean as the ruthless Cesar.
The initial grimness of daily life in the Congo is quickly offset by the vibrancy of the characters and the beauty of the locations but don’t go in expecting anything too slick.
By Dominic Corry, Flicks.co.nz
Frenetic, sleazy, and entertaining as all hell, Viva Riva! is a stylish and (save for the NC-17 it'd certainly earn) multiplex-worthy crime drama from, of all unexpected places, the Democratic Republic Of The Congo.
A slick, exciting, well-made crime thriller, dripping with atmosphere.
On the basis of this expertly engineered crime thriller Djo Munga is a director going places.
A tough, sturdy thriller set in Kinshasa suggests an impressive future for director Djo Munga.
Driven by its charismatic upstart gangster protagonist Riva, the film is one joyride that knows it will careen into a spectacular crash. Djo Tunda wa Munga captures the particular vibe released by this mixture of carpe diem and self-destructive instinct.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 5th Jan 2012.
Release date: January 5th 2012.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
