Based on the novel by Joseph Zobel, this visually beautiful film captures an era of French colonial history from a less glamourous angle.
In the shantytowns surrounding a sugar plantation, an orphaned boy named Jose lives with his grandmother. Though hard labor, long work hours and the hot sun make life in French Martinique oppressive, Jose and his buddies view the town as their playground. But Grandmother Tine won't have Jose running wild. She wants him to concentrate on his studies. Her advice and his diligence eventually pay off when Jose wins a scholarship to attend Fort-de-France, an academically reputable high school for elites. In this environment, Jose excels, pursuing his dream of becoming a writer.
A poor grandmother struggles to save her grandson, through whose eyes we glimpse a magic-tinged view of a sugar cane plantation's backbreaking work and crushing poverty. Daring to rise above the alley lined with plantation laborers' shanties, from which the film takes its name, the grandmother risks all to get the boy a chance at an education.
Director Euzhan Palcy's first feature film.
This film was presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Film department of the Museum of Modern Art as part of the New Directors Film series.
Shot on Martinique.
Produced by Sumafa-Orca-N.E.F. Diffusion.
Music by Group Malavoi, Roland Lewis, V. Vanderson, Brunoy Tocnay, Max Cilla and Slap Cat.
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Sugar Cane Alley DVD
Sugar Cane Alley DVD Features
Region 1 Keep Case Full Frame - 1.33 Additional Release Material: Trailers Interactive Features: Scene Access Interactive Menus Text/Photo Galleries: Biographies: Euzhan Palcy - Director DVD-ROM Features: Weblinks
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