Goodbye Julia (2023) User Reviews

women faces same issues

[veenusav · 8/10 · 8 December 2023]

Movie about a woman or two women.

Within the canvas of Sudan's societal divide between Arab-dominated North and black Sudanese, this film encapsulates the intricacies of conflict, rooted in racism, religion, and politics. It revolves around the struggles faced by one or two women, shedding light on poverty, parenting challenges, and the lack of intimacy in marriage. These issues are interwoven with the repercussions of a couple of well-intentioned lies.

Throughout the narrative, the women in this tale are not truly comprehended by the men who claim to love them. Even the children fail to grasp their emotional plight, evoking a sense of helplessness among the audience.

The narrative delves deep into the human condition, inviting reflection on pressing global issues often overlooked by mainstream media. Set against the backdrop of 2005 and 2010, the film meticulously crafts its era, portraying an authentic representation of culture, language, and technology. The art direction, including vehicles, gadgets, fashion, and language subtitled for the audience, is commendable.

Having watched it at IFFK 2023, the International Film Festival of Kerala, this movie is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of humanity in the face of societal turmoil.

Human emotions to the core displayed beutifully

[hareendranep · 9/10 · 8 December 2023]

I watched this movie in International Film festival in Kerala, India .

Set in the backdrop of undivided Sudan where Elite arab and Working class Local sudan people live together in Khartom. A Southern Sudan man is killed by an Arab because of a misunderstanding . Police remove his id card from the body and term it as "dead in rio" to save the Arab man. But his wife bribe the police man and find the details of the Southern man's wife and kid and bring them to her house . Then onwards it a saga of human emotions flow cutting the black and white divide. All charectors including the kid are well crafted . First sudani film I saw. Perfect story and direction + Good acting by all charector. The film also shows the plight of womanhood in Arab families.

In the Echoes of Prejudice: A Cinematic Odyssey

[daryo2006-1 · 9/10 · 26 December 2023]

This movie truly ranks among the finest I've seen. It unflinchingly explores the darker aspects of our world, unraveling the consequences of racism on seemingly regular people. Drawing parallels to the 2006 Oscar winner "Crash," it manages to maintain an air of mystery without revealing too much in the trailer.

The cinematography in this film is a visual feast, capturing the essence of each scene with striking precision. The acting performances are nothing short of superb, with the cast delivering powerful portrayals that breathe life into the characters. The dialogues are not just words; they are a captivating force that keeps you hooked, contributing significantly to the film's overall allure. The combination of excellent cinematography, stellar acting, and engaging dialogue elevates this movie to a cinematic masterpiece, deserving of its high rating.

I recommend approaching it with a fresh perspective, and I've given it a well-deserved 9-star rating for its engaging storytelling and exploration of a lesser-known territory.

Black and white thinking

[tomo-84485 · 10/10 · 6 November 2023]

1. If this movie has taught me anything it would be to not generalize 2. Put yourself in shoes of others

I myself I'm northern sudanese and I lived with southern Sudan people and my whole life I hear from people that south sudanese are are dirty, ignorant, thieves even though this is not the case at all not all of them are like this they are millions so how can you just say all of them.

We had a guard who was southern and he was very respectful, good hearted, hygienic and smart man. He was actually an English teacher he only worked for us to find shelter since there was no opportunities for him he can't give private lessons schools don't hire themI remember I use to go sit with him while he is marking exam papers.

They are people they have families dreams ambitions goals just like you but people still discriminate against all of them just because some one did bad thing and all of sudden all of them are bad people, I believe that there is no way in the world to judge someone other than individually because unlike you think we don't live in tribes anymore many people don't even know their neighbors, unlike chimps they can form group larger than 250 because they can't communicate so they almost have similar habits and traits but this is not the case anymore. This is why we all should put ourselves in shoes of innocent southern Sudanese people who has nothing to do with other southern Sudanese people because they don't live together they have nothing to do with them imagine terrible your life would be if you were them and unfair.

So I recommend all of you read the book black and white thinking by author Kevin Dutton.

Psychologically tiring but realistic.

[mushreg · 10/10 · 7 December 2023]

Basically, the film talked about racism and problems in Sudan, the secession of the South, and so on.

Then the film talked about the human psyche and lying, and how it can lead to greater calamities, even if the intention is honorable. It also showed the relationship between couples and how it can be ruined by distrust and lies.

The film was shoot in Khartoum before the war, and it's really amazing and terrifying how the film predicted the war in Sudan today. In addition, the film showed the relation between the north and south at that period (2005-2011).

Sound mixing was unexpected, it was really great. Not to mention the songs that touch all Sudanese hearts. And the directing was masterclass.

At the end of the movie, everyone in the cinema theater was clapping for the movie.

Overall, every sudani should watch this masterpiece, and everyone should too.

Goodbye Julia

[MasterNyxx · 9/10 · 27 February 2024]

A very beautiful movie, the movie surpassed itself in terms of direction, story, soundtrack, and even direction and acting were superb. The movie spoke with great honesty about the Sudanese reality. And a wonderful cast, I praise the actor Nizar Jumaa for his wonderful acting and his embodiment of the role in a beautiful way. The movie depicted for us a beautiful era and a smooth series of events without feeling bored and an acceptable ending. But there were some scenes that they were not successful in, or that in my opinion these scenes were not necessary and had no important message in the movie. In addition to the final song, which could have been chosen better, but this does not detract from the beauty of the movie and a story worth watching. I hope to see more works from the director and the actors, especially the actor Nizar Jumaa and a big praise for him. My rating for the movie is 8.8.

Harrowing and tough watch on the modern issues, politics, and problems faced in Sudan

[chenp-54708 · 8/10 · 5 May 2024]

What "Goodbye Julia" succeeds is that it accomplishes with crafting a narrative about the harrowing issues and politics in Sudan with great sense of humanizing writing, flawed, yet, interesting characters, gorgeous direction and camerawork, and strong performances within the entire cast members. It's raw deception of the country, the conflicts, tension, and issues the characters are facing are genuinely investing as the saga of human emotions going through the divide is well-explored with gorgeous colors, wonderful music, dialogue conversations, and atmospheres throughout.

Exploration of woman and the problems are wonderful themes the filmmaker is able to fully explore well enough. Including the structure and style presentation. Although I wished the third act was a bit stronger since it felt a bit too rushed, the overall engagement and rawness made this movie great.

First time seeing a flick from Sudan. Wonderful!

A surprisingly good debut

[steveinadelaide · 7/10 · 4 April 2024]

A moving Sudanese drama, Goodbye Julia explores questions of guilt, atonement, and the intricacies of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of Khartoum's tumultuous conditions, this film invites viewers to explore the raw emotions and societal tensions that shaped Sudan's history.

A former northern Sudanese singer named Mona (Eiman Yousif) is haunted by guilt as she nears the end of her career in the years leading up to South Sudan's 2011 independence. As a means of atonement for her complicity in the demise of a man from the South, she employs the innocent Julia (played by Siran Riak), the man's widow, as her housekeeper. As she adapts to her new reality, Mona struggles with her past and the inability to admit her wrongdoing. Little does she know that the country's turmoil will find its way into her home, forcing her to confront her sins face-to-face.

The film's tone oscillates between melancholy and hope. It delves into the human psyche, exposing how lies and distrust can lead to calamities-even when intentions are honourable. Loveless marriages, class structures, and the longing for voice resonate universally. As viewers, we witness the harsh realities faced by Sudanese people during a time of immense social and political upheaval.

Eiman Yousif and Siran Riak breathe life into their roles. Their chemistry is palpable, portraying the tension between North and South Sudan. Yousif's haunting songs add depth, while Riak's portrayal of an unsuspecting widow is both heartbreaking and powerful.

Kordofani's directorial debut surprises with its artistry. The film's visual language captures the essence of Sudan-its vibrant colours, dusty streets, and sun-soaked landscapes. Pierre de Villiers' cinematography immerses us in the characters' emotional turmoil. Mazin Hamid's score complements the narrative, evoking emotions that linger. The unexpected sound mixing heightens the impact. Heba Othman's editing maintains a steady pace, allowing the story to unfold organically.

The pacing of Goodbye Julia occasionally falters, and some scenes could be tighter. Yet, it's a soulful journey worth taking. For every Sudanese and anyone seeking a glimpse into a nation's heart, this movie is definitely worth watching.