Is Sarraounia Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1986)

📖 The Core Premise

Sarraounia returns to the screen in 1986, bringing a fresh narrative to the War, Drama, History genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "On 2 January 1899, starting from the French Sudan, a French column under the command of the captains Voulet and Chanoine is sent against the black Sultan Rabah in what is now the Cameroon. Those captains and their African mercenary troops destroy and kill everything they find on their path. The French authorities try to stop them sending orders and a second troop but the captains kill the emissaries who reach them. Sarraounia, queen of the Aznas, have heard about the exactions. Clever in war tactics and in witchcraft, she decides to resist and stop those mad men."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Aï Keïta's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good War. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Sarraounia worth your time? If you appreciate War, Drama, History films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Sarraounia is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 120 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.