Black is the perfect union of James Bond-style action and African folklore.

Black (MC Jean Gab’1) just survived a botched armoured car robbery and feeling as if nothing can go his way when he receives a phone call from an African cousin with a juicy tip on a really big job: the bank is holding more than a dozen uncut diamonds and he has access to the key. Black cannot get on a plane fast enough. However, the straightforward heist is complicated by Russian military, natives with machetes and giant supernatural snakes. Lucky for Black, he is found by Pamela (Carole Karemera), who becomes his butt-kicking ally.

The film was directed by French filmmaker Pierre Laffargue and filmed primarily in Senegal, as well as Paris. Laffargue says the main reason to shoot in Senegal was to display the beautiful city in a way that has yet to be done on film. The stunning setting also allows for the inclusion of local legend. In this case, it is believed every person has a totem animal that is representative of his or her personality; transmogrification is not impossible and leads to the enhancement of a great villain that is slowly becoming snake-like. In addition to incorporating traditional African lore, the film’s underlying plot is a commentary on war diamonds, which is a major issue in Africa.

The actors are flawless. Gab’1 exudes confidence and masculinity, as any successful international thief should. Karemera’s dance background is an obvious asset as she moves very fluidly in the action sequences. In addition, Laffargue boasts that she went against the grain of French women who look silly shooting a gun; rightly, she looks convincing and in charge most of the time.

The marrying of action and story is undeniably successful in Black.

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