Makibefo

This transfer of MacBeth to a timeless African coastal village illustrates that political ambition and the consequent violence are universal issues across time and space. The use of local people, apparently not only untrained as actors but unfamiliar with film and television, results in an entirely convincing and fascinating depiction of the culture in which the action takes place. The brilliantly conceived framing, filming and editing of the scenes in the desert and coastal environment is achieved with a stark and simple style somewhat reminiscent of Bergman. An occasional narrator keeps the whole thing on track and fully anchored to Shakespeare's drama. Nevertheless, the details of the interpretation are never less than surprising and compelling. Highly recommended.