Reviews (6) 
Excellent Depiction of Caribbean Culture, not Haitian
To clarify this movie takes place in Martinique, a French territory, not Haiti, the first free Black nation. I found this movie to be interesting, engaging, and realistic in it's themes. I recommend it as a required viewing for world studies high school classes and college classes on caribbean culture.
Great Post Emancipation Film
The first time I saw this film was in college when our history teacher showed it to us to aide in our discussion of the post emancipation period in West Indian culture. It is one of the most dramatic and historically correct films I have ever seen. The issues dealt with reflect the concerns of the "free man". One can see the emerging importance of education in the building up of the free black community in Martinique during that period as well as the nature of black /white relationships on all levels. For anyone who desires to know more about post emancipation life in the West Indies this is your most entertaining chance. I praise this most dedicated and talented Caribbean film director for an excellent review of a most interesting period in West Indian life. This is and will always be one of my favorite films next to The Sound of Music and Schindler's List. Thanks go out to you Mr.David Omowale Franklin, my most dynamic former sociology and history teacher, for introducing me to Sugar Cane Alley.
de rigueur
As a French major and prospective teacher of French, I ofcourse find this a valuable tool for the classroom--BUT it's so muchmore than that! Since it's so often used in the classroom people tendto neglect that this is an outstanding film, beautifully put togetherwith some memorable acting. Anyone studying West Indian literaturewill get a chance to see in full color an outstanding representationof life in colonial Caribbean. (French teachers can also note that inusing a DVD you have the advantage of switching off the subtitles formore advanced students. And certainly native speakers will appreciatethis feature.) END
splendid depiction of haitian culture?
sorry, karen, this film was depicting life in martinique. nonetheless, it was a great film, and is great for those beginning french.
Karen's 2 Cents
This movie was so moving. The acting was great and the viewer feels that s/he is getting a rare glimpse into Haitian culture. The class struggle is examined thoroughly as well as dreams and hopes of many of the characters. The situation in many ways mirrors situations that evolve because of a desire for the American dream. The corrolations with western culture are clear. Thus, the story can be enjoyed by all audiences.
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