Sadly, Decolonization is often a slow and painful process. While the official liberation of Madagascar happened in the summer of 1960, France was unwilling to let go of its long-time holding too quickly. Red Island takes place in the town surrounding one of the last French military bases in Madagascar in 1970. The story follows ten-year-old Thomas who is just beginning to understand his father’s place in the colonization of the island. At the same time, he begins to come of age, developing a small crush on a classmate who loves the same superhero fiction that he does. As they read their novels together, hidden in a storage crate on his family’s property, they watch the adults go about their business. Eventually, Thomas learns that he and his family must leave. A young sex worker takes over the narrative, giving us a front-row seat to Madagascar’s true liberation from French rule.
Red Island begins bizarre with a highly stylized retelling of the exploits of Thomas’ favorite superhero. These segments come up again and again to highlight how it feels for a young boy to discover his father’s role in colonialism. What struck me most about Red Island is its fantastic use of color and unique framing: We often see events unfold from obscured positions or in mirrors. Lovers of cinema will be enthralled by the subtle and memorable cinematography of Robin Campillo. My favorite scene involves young Thomas watching his family and their friends have a party through konfeta glass, the people and their movements reduced to abstract blooms of color and darkness. Many such beautiful moments accompany this thoughtful story of decolonization. Those interested in a serious drama will be most drawn to this film, and those interested in Madagascar’s history even more so. Red Island is a memorable period drama that will linger with viewers. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Red Island belongs among drama titles.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Red Island would be an excellent choice for historical fiction or drama series, as well as a series on coming-of-age stories.