I had the pleasure of seeing this movie at the Scandinavian Film Festival in Melbourne and was not disappointed.
As other reviewers have noted, it is a beautiful production; the setting and cinematography are glorious.
I won't waste time with plot (I was engrossed in it), as it has been covered, I would like to add my voice to balance out some negative points raised by others.
The music, a deeply sombre, melancholic, electronic score is a striking juxtaposition to the colonial African setting. It is so out of place that is absolutely works. There is a particular scene at a tribal party. It is disorienting both for the characters and the viewer, however the (oft-times used in a disorienting fashion) authentic, rhythmic tribal music is replaced with the frenzied electronic score. It is fantastic film-making.
The film is well, albeit slowly, paced. Some scenes do outstay their welcome, particularly the prison scenes on, but this film reaches an aching crescendo that is totally rewarding.
It is, at times, gory, explicit, disgusting, and real, but that is true to form for the brutal time and place in which it is set.
It offers a rich symbolism, and spiritual side as well, via the character's dream-like progression through the film. It is utterly fascinating.
The acting is first rate.
The direction, music and ethereal nature of the film reminds me somewhat of Nicolas Winding Refn's work, particularly Drive and Only God Forgives. Which a touch of Donnie Darko's existential spiritualism. But still it's own thing, completely.
It is absolutely not for everyone, but I was completely taken with it.
