Cast
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Omar Sy
as Samba Cissé
Charlotte Gainsbourg
as Alice
Tahar Rahim
as Walid aka Wilson
Izïa Higelin
as Manu
Issaka Sawadogo
as Jonas Karanoto
Hélène Vincent
as Marcelle
Youngar Fall
as Lamouna, Samba's uncle
Christiane Millet
as Madeleine
Jacqueline Jehanneuf
as Maggy
Liya Kebede
as Magali aka 'Gracieuse'
Sabine Pakora
as Gracieuse, the salon manager
Clotilde Mollet
as Josiane, from the interim agency
Adel Bencherif
as The seller of residence cards
Jean-Michel Correia
as The patron of the guards
Michel Winogradoff
as The concierge of the hotel
Crew
Director
- Éric Toledano
- Olivier Nakache
Writer
- Olivier Nakache
- Éric Toledano
Producer
- Nicolas Duval Adassovsky
- Laurent Zeitoun
- Yann Zenou
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Samba examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Éric Toledano brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2014, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Samba took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $20.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 118 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 145 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 79 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Samba shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dreams of Love, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Samba subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Lovers on the Bridge and An American in Paris explore similar territory, Samba stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 15, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Revenue: $151,530
Where to Watch
