Ghosts Of Cité Soleil (2007) Movie Review

For a documentary, this film has one of the most gripping narratives of the year. Clearly, the material was a gift for Danish filmmaker Leth; his access to the characters and volatile situations makes us wonder how he and his crew survived the shoot.

The UN once called the Cité Soleil section of Port-au-Prince the most dangerous place on the planet. In 2004, it's ruled by the Chimeres (ghosts), gangs of heavily armed thugs who unofficially worked for President Aristide. Two of the five gang chiefs are brothers: 2pac is a charismatic gangster and rapper, while Bily is more politically savvy. Their different views often put them in conflict with each other, especially since they both fancy the French relief worker Lele. But when Aristide flees the country, the new government (with the help of American troops) targets the Chimeres.

There are times in this film when we feel it can't possibly be a documentary. The story is so powerfully dramatic, with characters who overflow with energy and life-threatening situations that are absolutely terrifying. And the tensions between 2pac and Bily are shockingly potent, as they both clash and bond as brothers, gang leaders and love rivals. All while their already unmanageable society is torn apart around them.

Haiti is one of the poorest nations on earth, and the people of Cité Soleil live without education and basic services. Guns are everywhere, and as one man says, "We don't need peace; we need food and schools." To them, peace means massacre, because without guns they can't protect themselves from the corrupt police, military, rebels--anyone who wants to stop them. In other words, "Power is a gun in Haiti."

Leth assembles this story expertly, with a bristling pace and striking observational emotion and humour. The music by Wyclef Jean (who also appears briefly) and Jerry Wonda Duplessis interweaves brilliantly with 2pac's rapping to capture the mood of the place. And while the film gets a little chaotic with all the internal conflicts, it's also hugely involving: tense and stirring, and a seriously important comment on the places in the world we like to pretend don't exist.