Kongo (1997) User Reviews

Kongo, Belgian television art

[jeroenstubbe · 8/10 · 8 November 2006]

First of all, it is a Belgian production starring classical Belgian actors who we see in many other Television programs and films of Belgian origin. Many of the actors have played roles in films like 'De Zaak Alzheimer' (wich is translated in English to ' the Memory of a Killer')

Why named Kongo? Because Kongo is how we called that colony in the 19-20th century, pretty obvious I guess. I gave 9 out of 10 because it gives a true sight on the history of the Belgian colony, this happens through eyes off colonists. It gives a realistic view of the oppression in African country's by European nations.

The best reason for being unknown is that the mini-series is played in dutch. Although with English subtitles I think that it would be well worth the time to watch it.

Even with this short review I have one conclusion: Good Belgian television is too unknown for its quality! Bravo!

historical drama about the end of the Belgian colonisation of Congo

[myriamlenys · 8/10 · 2 June 2018]

Shortly after World War II, a promising Belgian official called Guy Moeyaert leaves for Africa, in order to become a regional administrator. He is supposed to provide law and order for a large geographical area, while ensuring - of course - that a steady stream of Congolese resources flows towards Belgium. Moeyaert is not an unpleasant man : he speaks the local language(s), takes his work seriously and treats the natives with paternalistic but kindly care. Young, idealistic and well-meaning, he is too clueless to realize he's clueless...

"Kongo" is a prestigious and expensive series about the end of Belgium's rule over Congo (or, as we Belgians say : THE Congo). Unsurprisingly, this is still a thorny subject. The plot and storytelling are good : one gets a good sense of time running out for people who do not yet understand their world is about to explode in their face. As in Greek tragedy, there is a sad inevitability about Moeyaert's gradual disillusionment and ultimate downfall, just as there is a sad inevitability about the wider collapse of the Belgian community, mainly consisting of traders, farmers, industrialists and missionaries, which surrounds him.

The cast is solid and cohesive and the acting is good. Most of the series was filmed in Africa - unless I'm mistaken, in Zimbabwe. The various costumes, sets and props are quite accurate. (Watch out for the many cars, which serve as means of transport, emblems of technological progress, indicators of whiteness, status symbols and instruments of idle mischief - and eventually, most poignantly, as means of flight and escape.) The scenery is both jaw-droppingly beautiful and superbly evocative : these gorgeous landscapes, bathed in a rich and heavy light, are truly African.

Well worth a watch, although the subject matter and the blood-drenched finale won't leave you with a smile on your face.