
Binti
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Immigrant characters face peril in heartwarming film.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Binti
Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Delightful story with 12 year old leads who are creative and loving
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: Drama
- Topics: Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths: Compassion
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 10, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Movies for Family Movie Night
Books About Families
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate