Xala (1975) review

A corrupt official in Senegal takes a third wife against the advice of others - during his wedding night, he finds he can't 'perform' in the sack because a curse was placed on him. Sembène's technique is a little rough and the pacing can best be described as lackadaisical, but in a way, that's part of the picture's go-with-the-flow appeal, capturing the mood/atmosphere of the culture in its own sweet time. Though billed as a 'comedy,' it's too angry with the corruption that takes place in Africa to be truly 'funny' - based on articles I've read, politicians that betray their own people for luxury (nice houses, bottled water, body guards, young ladies) are all too common there, even today, and that anger and disgust is what makes this so note-worthy.