Why the five minutes of cuts?

It was just 12 months ago that I saw this on the big screen (see "Tissues Please") and I was really looking forward to the DVD, which I have only just received.

Last night, as I watched the DVD version of this very moving film through the blurriness of my tear-filled eyes, I recall there being MORE in it, in the theatrical release.

I remember that there were more of the scenes of Maruge's mistreatment and torture, as well as more flashbacks of his childhood and tribal days, harrowing as they were.

Checking the running time on IMDb, I see that it was originally 103 minutes, and yet the running time of the DVD is only 98 minutes!

(Why do the producers of DVDs take it upon themselves to act as censors for a piece of art like this film? I mean, you wouldn't show Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" with the road in the background removed, would you?)

Still, this copy I purchased IS the Soda Pictures (UK) version, so they probably felt that too much emphasis on colonial bastardisation was a little over the top...

So, my warning to anyone who seeks to purchase this film: avoid the UK 98-minute version.

I guess I shall have to wait for the US release. Fat chance.






"The Opener of the Way is Waiting"