an ambitious but ultimately ineffective debut endeavor.

One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Blistering performances.

Djo Munga has made a magnificent movie on a shoestring in Kinshasa. All hail to him! His hero, Riva of the title (Patsha Bay) is a daring, foolhardy type like all heroes, and he has no fear at all of stealing from gangster Azor (Diplome Amekindra) his gorgeous girl-friend, Nora, played by the ravishing Manie Malone. He has one more truckload of fuel in a city having a fuel crisis. Cesar (Hoji Fortuna) is also after it, as are several others, including a lady military officer (La Commandante: Marlene Longange). Even Riva's parents get a look-in. Everybody appears sooner or later in this wonderful picture. The great thing is that when somebody swings a punch, someone falls, hurt. And, by the same token, when somebody shoots a gun, people fall, but they do get up again in many cases. These are real people involved in a fiction film. It's a great work of art and I strongly recommend it.

While this movie might not stand out as an original, the story of decay, corruption and lust for Africa's resources is well told. I have tried to look for biographies on the actors with little success. If the movie was made with virtual unknowns I am doubly impressed.The plot moves well with good screen chemistry for the actors. The sex scenes are among the best I've seen anywhere and the joy Riva brings to the screen and those he interacts with is refreshing.There is the ultimate feeling of Grecian tragedy. You know deep down things won't end well. His death at the end is one of the most heroic and carefree ways of going I've yet seen.The movie showcases the best of Africa (unbridled enthusiasm and live-a-day-at-a-time philosophy) alongside the worst (lust for power and resources, invasive western influence, etc)It's a wonderful movie in my opinion. I would have awarded it more than a seven but for the originality bit. It's stereotypical but the tale is well told. Kudos to this Director.

I was a little skeptical when I went to watch this film only because I had never seen a film from Africa before. When the credits hit, I was is in awe of the film. For having no major actors or crew this movie was outstanding. The flow of film is non-stop actions and suspense of who is going to do find out what. I would equate the pace of the film to that of Michael Bay's Miami Vice. Of all the characters in the film, I would say the best performance came from the top villain in the film, Riva's old boss Cesar. He emphasized his silent, stalking persona to a T. He could command the screen without having to even dialogue. It will be great to see an underdog film make a splash in next years award season. I would recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of Ridley Scott films or the Jason Bourne series. Also Tarantion fans should find this film a great action thrill ride.

I caught a small screening of this film and couldn't take my eyes from the screen until the final credits rolled. A 'neighborhood kid' returning to his hometown brings some baggage back with him. Filmed on location in Kinshasa, this film makes you say 'Did they really just do that?' over and over. Riva may not be the best guy, but his attitude about life makes me respect him. Overall, I would call it a gangster flick set in the Congo with greed, corrupt government officials, and a dash of romance. You can also expect the usual twisting plot with plenty of action, sex, and alcohol. Nothing is left to the imagination. If it happens in the story, you get to see it.. all of it.