Name: Brazza ou l'épopée du Congo
Genre: Adventure
Released: 1940-02-01
Duration: 1 h 38 min
Rating: 5.1
Cast: Robert Darène, Pierre Vernet, Jean Daurand

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, a very young naval officer, was commissioned to explore the still largely unknown continent of Africa. He set off with rather meager resources, accompanied by Dr. Balley, Quartermaster Hamon, and a few Black men. Boldly, he ventured into the uncharted territory of the African continent. He reached the Ogooué River, negotiated with minor rulers whom he won over with his kindness, and managed to reach the banks of the Congo River before Stanley himself.

Made in 1940, after the French defeat ,it was made to glorify the humiliated country by displaying a hero's feats in Africa ; Brazza 's epic takes place after the 1870 war, another defeat for France : the spirit of revenge was prominent then ,many historical figures appear in the movie (Clémenceau's intervention is revealing: we need soldiers)Jules Ferry,known for his laws which established free education in 1881, was also a colonialist after the military defeat of France by Prussia .

Filmed on location ,it mainly focuses on the Brazza/Stanley rivalry : Brazza was a pacifist (no blood flowed) a strong anti -slavery man and he respected the natives ' right ; he was a disinterested man :though oversimplified, the picture given by the movie is true, if one is to believe the historians .

A topless native sings the hero's praises in pidgin-French .

The second volume of Léon Poirier's colonialist movies after "l'appel du silence" (1936) a movie about Sahara missionary Charles De Foucauld whose youth was racy but who finally heard the call of the silence that is to say the call of God .

French-language cinema, whether in France, Québec, or other Francophone regions, explores cultural identity, social change, and the tension between the individual and society. French cinema is not only celebrated for its intellectual experimentation and auteur traditions, but also its success in mainstream comedy, romance, and commercial entertainment. In Québec, films often focus on questions of language, belonging, and community within a distinct cultural landscape.

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The adventure genre features exciting journeys, quests, or expeditions undertaken by characters who often face challenges, obstacles, and risks in pursuit of a goal. Adventures can take place in a wide range of settings, from exotic and fantastical locations to historical or even everyday environments.

The voyages of Pierre Savorgnan de Brassa through Africa. This great explorer, the founder of Brazzaville (Congo), was born in Italy but chose France as his motherland.

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Brazza ou l'épopée du Congo

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