Binti

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Binti
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Belgian film Binti portrays two different but tender parent-child relationships in a story about a pair of undocumented African immigrants who befriend a Belgian mother and son. The father-daughter immigrants from Congo, like others among their friends and housemates, are chased and even detained by police. They live under the constant threat of being caught and sent back to Congo. A local mom and her son take them in, and a meaningful friendship sprouts among the four of them. The two kids miss their absent parents (Binti's mom is dead and Elias's dad lives in Brazil with a new family). Both parents are loving and devoted to their kids, allowing them to explore their own hobbies and passions. Adults drink wine with meals, there's some kissing between couples, and adults rehearse sensual dances. Language in the English subtitles includes "damn," "wanker," "snot," "stupid," "Oh my God."
Community Reviews
Delightful story with 12 year old leads who are creative and loving
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What's the Story?
If tween BINTI (Bebel Tshiani Baloji) wasn't an undocumented immigrant in Belgium, she'd just be able to focus on being a kid and gaining subscribers for her vlog. On the run from the police, Binti and her dad, Jovial (Baloji), meet misfit Elias (Mo Bakker), an 11-year-old obsessed with endangered forest giraffes, and his mom, fashion designer Christine (Joke Devynick). Christine takes the father-daughter pair in, causing problems with her boyfriend Floris (Frank Dierens) and despite the fact that her son-in-law, Farid (Aboubakr Bensaihi), is a policeman. Binti hatches a far-fetched plan to make Christine fall in love with her dad in order to get their papers.
Is It Any Good?
Real-life father-daughter pair Baloji and Bebel Tshiani Baloji are the pulse of this heartwarming and entertaining Belgian film. As the titular character Binti, the tween star is especially buoyant and brings a joyful presence to her character, an aspiring vlogger. Her videos are filmed as if from her handheld phone camera, but then cleverly shown as if already edited together with effects. She's matched by up-and-coming Belgian actor Bakker as Elias, the well-meaning and tender-hearted misfit. There's symbolism in his obsession with a rare species taken from its African homeland by European captors as well as in his own repeated retreat into the forest. The magic of childhood seen in their exuberant playfulness is contrasted with the dire reality of an immigrant child who feels "nowhere is home."
The film constructs a gentle and earnest tale that aims to show the human side to immigration. The physical tenderness between father and daughter is captured with great visual detail. At risk of being sent "back" to Congo, a country she doesn't know, Binti is portrayed as thoroughly Belgian and insistent that she does indeed "exist" even if she has no papers. Elias's innocent question of why she can't stay in Belgium when there's clearly "plenty of room" is poignant. It's heartbreaking to see Binti and her dad chased or arrested, and it's also heartbreaking to see the pained look of one of the policemen involved. The film could be considered overly simplistic in some aspects, but it makes a convincing case that these characters deserve humane treatment and a happy ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the complicated issues around undocumented immigration presented in Binti. Did the treatment of Binti and her dad feel fair? Why or why not?
What did you make of Elias's obsession with okapis? How about Binti's vlog?
How did the filmmakers use different camera angles and lighting to convey meaning about characters in this movie? Can you think of any examples?
What did you think of Floris's actions? How about Farid's? Does the film try to make you understand their point of view? How so or not?
How does the situation for immigrants in Belgium seem to compare with other countries?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 10, 2019
- On DVD or streaming: January 7, 2022
- Cast: Bebel Tshiani Baloji, Baloji, Mo Bakker
- Director: Frederike Migom
- Studio: Bulletproof Cupid
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Activism, Friendship
- Character Strengths: Compassion
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
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