DJANGO


Showcased at the 2017 Rendez-vous with French Cinema, “Django,” directed by Étienne Comar, is a compelling drama about famed jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt.

He is impressively played by Reda Kateb. The film, set mainly along Lake Geneva in the French town of Thonon, concentrates on Reinhardt’s opposition to the Nazi persecution of his Romani people during World War II. Cécile de France has a colorful role as his friend and muse, a woman who fights the Nazis into whose confidence she has worked her way.

Reinhardt’s music becomes a major part of the film, as one would expect, but in that realm there are also revelations that his talent went beyond his playing and encompassed his skill as an orchestra leader as well. That aspect of his musicianship is less generally known.

The film combines the renown of Reinhardt with the tension of opposition to the Nazis, and in particular, Django’s dedication to helping the Romani people in the face of persecution. It thus cements his ethnic connection and helps define his life. Reviewed January 5, 2018.




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