| KARMEN GEÏ |
 2001 – Senegal / France / CanadaDirector: Joseph Gaï Ramaka - Reviewed by Linda
Unfortunately, the rest of film Karmen Geï never quite matches the momentum of the early scenes (which also includes Karmen seducing police officer Lamine [Magaye Niang] away from his own wedding party!). Karmen, in the tradition of Bizet's original Carmen, is a clever vixen, who seduces anyone in her path to get what she wants, leaving a trail of glassy-eyed lovers who have fallen under her spell. Sooner or later, Karmen, like all Carmens before, has to deal with the consequences of her past catching up to her. Because of a weak second half, which has Karmen, along with love-struck officer Lamine and a band of outlaws, out to defy the corrupt police, Karmen Geï almost didn't get a recommendation from me. But, I have to admit, this film has stuck in my head. The movie looks fabulous, awash in vibrant colors and costumes, filled with wonderful musical scenes of song and dance, and has a visually pleasing cast. Djeïnaba Diop Gaï, as Karmen, has a fantastic screen presence—and like all who cross paths with her, you simply can't take your eyes off her. There is a lot to be said for star power, and the presence of Djeïnaba Diop Gaï alone makes Karmen Geï a film worthy of checking out. |
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Karmen Geï has one of the most jaw-droppingly saucy and glorious opening scenes I've ever seen on film. In the dusty courtyard of a Senegalese women's prison, the colorfully-attired inmates are singing and clapping and cheering on the gorgeous and statuesque Karmen (Djeïnaba Diop Gaï) as she does a vigorous solo dance, showing off to all watching. But she sets her eye on Angelique (Stephanie Biddle), the equally gorgeous prison warden, who sits and watches her coolly, with barely an eyebrow raised. With her tractor-beam gaze, Karmen seductively dances over to Angelique closer and closer, until... yes... she is giving the warden a grinding LAP DANCE! Oh... MY! I suppose that is one way to ask to be... uh... released.
