Small Country: An African Childhood
Performance & Direction: Small Country: An African Childhood Review
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Small Country: An African Childhood (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Small Country: An African Childhood features a noteworthy lineup led by Jean-Paul Rouve . Supported by the likes of Isabelle Kabano and Djibril Vancoppenolle , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Small Country: An African Childhood
Quick Plot Summary: Small Country: An African Childhood is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Gabriel, aged 10, lives in a comfortable ex-pat neighborhood in Burundi, his ‘small country’. Gabriel is a normal kid, happy, carefree and having adventures with his friends and little sister. Then in 1993, tensions in neighboring Rwanda spill over, threatening his family and his innocence. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Small Country: An African Childhood
Ending Breakdown: Small Country: An African Childhood resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Small Country: An African Childhood reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Small Country: An African Childhood?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Top Cast: Small Country: An African Childhood
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Where to Watch Small Country: An African Childhood Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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blue TVSmall Country: An African Childhood Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about Small Country: An African Childhood age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Small Country: An African Childhood is 112 minutes (1h 52m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Small Country: An African Childhood is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Country: An African Childhood worth watching?
Small Country: An African Childhood is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Small Country: An African Childhood parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Small Country: An African Childhood identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Small Country: An African Childhood?
The total duration of Small Country: An African Childhood is 112 minutes, which is approximately 1h 52m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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