Rafiki

Name: Rafiki
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: April 19, 2019
Duration: 83 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Charlie Karumi, Dennis Musyoka, Jimmy Gathu, Leila Weema, Mellen Aura

2019

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critics

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Rafiki

Movie Details & Credits

Not Rated

Film Movement | Release Date: April 19, 2019

Starring: Charlie Karumi, Dennis Musyoka, Jimmy Gathu, Leila Weema, Mellen Aura, Muthoni Gathecha, Neville Misati, Nice Githinji, Patricia Amira, Patricia Kihoro, Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva, Vitalis Waweru

Summary: Bursting with the colorful street style & music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, Rafiki is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” - but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalryBursting with the colorful street style & music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, Rafiki is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” - but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety. [Film Movement]… Expand

Director: Wanuri Kahiu

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 83 min

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Awards & Rankings

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

The Film Stage - Jared Mobarak

Apr 16, 2019

This is a contemporary slice of life drama that provides its central characters the agency with which to choose the existence they desire regardless of what cultural, societal, or familial traditions demand. These women aren’t merely bucking against the religious norms of gendered relationships, but the patriarchy at-large. They are here to be more than wives and mothers. Read full review

The A.V. Club - Katie Rife

Apr 17, 2019

In some ways, Rafiki recalls Nijla Mu’min’s 2018 film "Jinn," which also superimposes a unique, beautifully realized point of view onto a conventional coming-of-age story. Read full review

Washington Post - Ann Hornaday

May 6, 2019

As an example of the filmmaker’s house style — which she calls “Afrobubblegum” — Rafiki presents a radiant, vivacious portrait of young love that owes as much to “Romeo and Juliet” as “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Moonlight.” Read full review

TheWrap - Steve Pond

May 19, 2018

Kahiu gives the film a brightness and vibrancy that works to counterbalance the perilous waters into which Kena and Ziki are venturing. Read full review

IndieWire - Eric Kohn

May 19, 2018

Wanuri Kahiu’s sophomore feature is just good enough to give its modest intentions a historic purpose, bringing fresh context to an old formula while hitting the expected emotional beats. Read full review

Slant Magazine - Pat Brown

Apr 17, 2019

The film's slotting of two African women into a familiar romantic structure represents a radical and important upending of contemporary Kenyan sexual mores. Read full review

The Guardian - Gwilym Mumford

May 19, 2018

What Kahiu’s film lacks in originality, it makes up for in its depiction of the giddy flush of first love. Mugatsia and Munyiva have an easy, unfussy chemistry that overcomes some creakier moments of dialogue. Read full review

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