Is Duga Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Duga, a standout production of 2019, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Comedy, Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Boromo, Burkina Faso. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Boromo, Burkina Faso. When Rasmané finds out that his friend Pierre has died, he sets off for his home town to help his family to transport the body home for his funeral. However, Rasmané hasn't reckoned with the traditional village elders who are strictly against them paying their last respects to a non-believer in the village. For Rasmané it is the beginning of an odyssey through Burkina Faso, as it turns out it’s not so straightforward to get the body of a man buried who was not baptised, does not have a Muslim first name and was not a member of any of the country's religious communities."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Charles Wattara provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Hervé Eric Lengani is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 95 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Duga truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Duga explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Hervé Eric Lengani respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Duga is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Charles Wattara or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Duga is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.