Mandabi (1968) review

An out-of-work man - with two wives - receives a money order from a nephew living in Paris and instead of being a blessing it turns out to be a curse. Though a bit crudely made (as with his feature debut, Black Girl), Sembène's gift at storytelling really shines, as the money order shows how frustrating bureaucracy is as well as how people lie, cheat and steal when the opportunity presents itself. Sometimes it's better to just have very little, because if you have a lot - in a village that is poor - everyone wants a share. This is an intriguing little allegory.