Empathy and Understanding

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Taste of Mango
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 15m
Director(s): Chloe Abrahams
Where To Watch: Oscilloscope Laboratories will release the film on December 4, 2024, in New York & on December 6 in Los Angeles

RAVING REVIEW: Behind the lens, Chloe Abrahams presents THE TASTE OF MANGO, a directorial voyage that doubles as a narrated exploration of her family’s history. This documentary is an invitation into the lives of the women who weave the fabric of their shared experiences with trauma and resilience. Abrahams cast a tender yet candid eye on the secrets that have shaped their past and present, celebrating the enduring strength and unity that rise from these shared struggles.

As the film explores these stories, it becomes clear that Abrahams is grappling with the invisible presence of her late grandfather. This void serves as both a sorrow and a catalyst for delving deeper into the emotional layers that define her family. This acts as an emotional epicenter, influencing how the family views themselves and their relationships and offering the audience a lens to understand the far-reaching effects of absence on personal identity.

Abrahams maneuvers through the narrative with a specific vision, juxtaposing the significant but unseen influence of male figures against the lives of the film’s female protagonists. This approach redirects the focus to the women’s stories and enhances the documentary’s impact, exposing the audience to the raw realities these women navigate.

Central to the film is Rozana, whose past is marked by resilience against abuse. Abrahams treats her mother’s story with the utmost respect and sensitivity, allowing the complexity of her experiences to unfold slowly, with archival footage and photographs that offer a haunting glimpse into their shared past. These narrative tools bridge the gap between joyous memories and their painful counterparts.

The film’s soundtrack subtly amplifies its emotional tone, utilizing classic harmonies to give voice to the characters’ deepest sentiments in moments where dialogue would fall short. These musical elements enrich the experience, with scenes of Rozana’s day-to-day life accompanied by the musical score, portraying a woman finding solace in song amid the chaos of her memories.

The dynamic between Rozana and her mother, Nana Jean, is raw, revealing the scars left by unresolved traumas. Their interactions are a dance of tension and tenderness, illustrating the complexities of their bond. The film does not shy away from confronting Nana Jean's hard choices, presenting her decisions with a nuanced understanding of the cultural and personal contexts that shape them.

Abrahams' style wraps the viewer in a dreamlike tapestry of memories, her voice-over effectively linking past and present. This introspective narration doesn’t just guide viewers through the emotional terrain of the film; it challenges them to consider the difficulties of piecing together a fragmented family narrative.

Visually, THE TASTE OF MANGO is as compelling as its storyline. Abrahams blends grainy home videos with more polished sequences, creating a visual narrative reflecting the film's emotional complexity. Intimate close-ups and ethereal scene transitions capture the fleeting nature of memory, offering a poignant reminder of the past’s hold over the present.

Despite exploring harrowing themes, the documentary ultimately conveys a message of hope. It portrays the journey through family trauma as a pathway to deeper understanding and healing, suggesting that genuine reconciliation begins with small but meaningful gestures of connection. The final scenes are particularly moving, capturing the simple yet profound moments that signify the beginning of healing.

While THE TASTE OF MANGO sometimes leaves the deeper exploration of specific backstories somewhat wanting, it nonetheless is a powerful debut. Its greatest strength lies in its fusion of personal storytelling with universally relatable themes—trauma, resilience, and bonds. Abrahams documents individual history and creates a space where audiences can find empathy and connection, crafting a film that resonates as a poignant reflection on family, memory, and identity.

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[photo courtesy of OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES]

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