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The African

Name: The African
Director: Philippe de Broca
Released: 1983
Duration: 101 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1983

Director

Philippe de Broca

Runtime

101 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film follows a traditional adventure-comedy format centered around the personal journey of its European protagonists. While it introduces a conflict between commercial expansion and conservation, it does so through a conventional lens. The portrayal of the African setting serves more as an atmospheric backdrop rather than a transformative element. The narrative uses the landscape to develop Western characters without giving a significant role in driving the story to indigenous populations or challenging colonialist stereotypes. Overall, the film lacks the multi-layered depth and systemic critique found in more contemporary works, adhering closely to the social norms of its time.

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Category Breakdown

Does The African have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-cisgender identities. The main plot revolves around a traditional marriage between a man and a woman.

How does The African portray gender?

Fair

Charlotte exhibits strong professional drive and leadership, avoiding a passive or submissive stereotype. However, the gender dynamics rely on traditional roles typical of the era.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The African?

Limited

The story focuses on European characters set in East Africa. Indigenous Pygmy communities appear mainly as a backdrop rather than having significant roles.

How does The African represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative explores the tension between capitalism and environmentalism through a character-driven comedy. It does not offer a systemic critique of Western institutions.

Does The African include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Charlotte is shown with strong professional drive and leadership.
The film clearly presents a conflict between commercial interests and environmental conservation.

Limited or Absent

The narrative focuses primarily on European protagonists, limiting the ability to act of indigenous populations.
The African setting serves mainly as an exotic backdrop for Western character arcs.
The film does not include any LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.

Official Synopsis

Charlotte flies to East Africa to build a tourist center near Lake Williams where the pygmies live. Here she meets her husband Victor, a devoted conservationist who left her three years ago to live in the jungle. Can you imagine his enthusiasm when she arrives at the conclusion that the ideal place to build this holiday resort is his kitchen garden?

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