Heavy is the film that tackles the subject of child soldiers. Not many will go into this territory period.
The themes present in War Witch (2012) reveal the depths of darkness within humanity. Death, destruction, greed, redemption, trauma, war, and life are some of the many concepts touched upon.
The story starts in an unnamed sub-saharan African country that could easily be the DRC or South Sudan but obviously tries to avoid direct criticism of any one country. A rebel group called the Flying Tiger Rebels attacks a young girl name Komona's small village. The kill and kidnap Komona, forcing her to shoot her own parents or have them chopped up by machete.
The group resembles real-life child soldier groups like the Lord's Resistance Army. All the soldiers, including the warlord, Great Tiger, believe in magic and mysticism. Rituals are performed by the young soldiers; charms are kept; "magic milk" is drunk by the soldiers for visions.
Komona claims to see the dead when she drinks the "magic milk" tapped from trees. These ghosts help her know the position of government troops and gives the rebels an advantage. This leads to Great Tiger promoting her to his "war witch." He also gives her an AK-47 that was charmed by a wizard.
Another magical character is called the Magician. A young boy who has albinism, he makes and believes wholeheartedly in his charms. He also takes a liking to Komona, showing her his ceremonies and sneaking her foods.
Eventually, Magician takes an opportunity to escape with Komona. They wander around and start to bond through their trauma. In a much needed lighthearted subplot, Magician searches for a white rooster that Komona's father told her was required for her to give her hand in marriage. The attempt to settle down to a normal life at Magician's uncle, the Butcher.
Unfortunately, the young couple's happy marriage is short lived. The rebels find their "war witch" and kill Magician. A year passes and Komona finds herself a soldier again and pregnant to her commander. She uses her cunning to kill him.
From there, Komona makes her way back to her uncle-in-law the Butcher's house. He accepts her as his own daughter. However, her ptsd and fear for being killed has her being progressively more violent. She wants to bury her parents especially as they now haunt her regularly.
The film ends with Komona going back to her home village to bury her parent's remains. On the way she gives birth, alone. She and her new baby, Magician, then get a ride back towards the Butcher's house.
The plot is very well paced and, while grim. Tries not to be too dark or overly graphic. They leave the worst scenes to the viewer's imagination. At the same time, the culture of superstition, spirits and animism surrounds the film and feels like another character. Having done some research into African synchronism, the minute details are well written and displayed in the film to give it that realistic edge.
I recommend for anyone interested in harsh realities war-torn countries face right up to the present.
A high.
The themes present in War Witch (2012) reveal the depths of darkness within humanity. Death, destruction, greed, redemption, trauma, war, and life are some of the many concepts touched upon.
The story starts in an unnamed sub-saharan African country that could easily be the DRC or South Sudan but obviously tries to avoid direct criticism of any one country. A rebel group called the Flying Tiger Rebels attacks a young girl name Komona's small village. The kill and kidnap Komona, forcing her to shoot her own parents or have them chopped up by machete.
The group resembles real-life child soldier groups like the Lord's Resistance Army. All the soldiers, including the warlord, Great Tiger, believe in magic and mysticism. Rituals are performed by the young soldiers; charms are kept; "magic milk" is drunk by the soldiers for visions.
Komona claims to see the dead when she drinks the "magic milk" tapped from trees. These ghosts help her know the position of government troops and gives the rebels an advantage. This leads to Great Tiger promoting her to his "war witch." He also gives her an AK-47 that was charmed by a wizard.
Another magical character is called the Magician. A young boy who has albinism, he makes and believes wholeheartedly in his charms. He also takes a liking to Komona, showing her his ceremonies and sneaking her foods.
Eventually, Magician takes an opportunity to escape with Komona. They wander around and start to bond through their trauma. In a much needed lighthearted subplot, Magician searches for a white rooster that Komona's father told her was required for her to give her hand in marriage. The attempt to settle down to a normal life at Magician's uncle, the Butcher.
Unfortunately, the young couple's happy marriage is short lived. The rebels find their "war witch" and kill Magician. A year passes and Komona finds herself a soldier again and pregnant to her commander. She uses her cunning to kill him.
From there, Komona makes her way back to her uncle-in-law the Butcher's house. He accepts her as his own daughter. However, her ptsd and fear for being killed has her being progressively more violent. She wants to bury her parents especially as they now haunt her regularly.
The film ends with Komona going back to her home village to bury her parent's remains. On the way she gives birth, alone. She and her new baby, Magician, then get a ride back towards the Butcher's house.
The plot is very well paced and, while grim. Tries not to be too dark or overly graphic. They leave the worst scenes to the viewer's imagination. At the same time, the culture of superstition, spirits and animism surrounds the film and feels like another character. Having done some research into African synchronism, the minute details are well written and displayed in the film to give it that realistic edge.
I recommend for anyone interested in harsh realities war-torn countries face right up to the present.
A high.