Un Dimanche à Kigali

Another year, another Rwandan drama. Un Dimanche à Kigali has its work cut out for it following similarly-theme festival favorites Hotel Rwanda and Shooting Dogs, though the movie is never quite able to match the emotional intensity or sheer power of either of those efforts (admittedly, there is nevertheless quite a bit here worth admiring). Luc Picard stars as Bernard, a journalist/filmmaker in Africa working on an AIDS documentary when he finds himself falling for local waitress Gentille (Fatou N’Diaye). The story is largely told in flashback, as Bernard recalls his forbidden romance with Gentille and the danger that emerges after the Hutus begin slaughtering the Tutsis (though Gentille is technically a Hutu, she’s lumped in with the Tutsis due to her caucasian features). Un Dimanche à Kigali generally focuses on their relationship and leaves the various atrocities to the background (think Titanic, except set in Africa). It’s an interesting choice that isn’t always successful; the film’s uneven structure and distinct overlength – problems that are exacerbated by the almost complete lack of chemistry between Bernard and Gentille – ultimately prevents Un Dimanche à Kigali from adopting the distinctly compelling qualities of its forebearers.

**1/2 out of ****