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A young man must tell a story to survive in a prison ruled by inmates.
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Why watch the movie Night of the Kings?
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A young man is sent to “La Maca,” a prison in the middle of the Ivorian forest ruled by its inmates. As tradition goes with the rising of the red moon, he is designated by the Boss to be the new “Roman” and must tell a story to the other prisoners. Learning what fate awaits him, he begins to narrate the mystical life of the legendary outlaw named “Zama King” and has no choice but to make his story last until dawn.
"Generally, prison movies always follow the same path, with exaggerated action, spectacular escapes and the like. However, this is not the style and path of 'Night of the Kings', chosen from Côte d'Ivoire to compete for the Oscar for Best International Film in 2021. Here, no action. All the unfolding of Philippe Lacôte's plot (from the excellent 'Run') focuses on a kind of fantasy theater to show a prison in Côte d'Ivoire that depends on the story of a novice boy for its leader to survive. How? By telling a story, in the best style of 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Although there are some exaggerations and the final act loses in vitality, the feature film draws attention for its originality and the ability to reinvent genres and expectations at all times. A creative, daring movie that, in the end, shows all the strength that emanates from African cinema."