Nairobi Half Life

Have we decided to be the way we are?

96 Mins
2012
en

star6.9/ 10

Mwas, a young aspiring actor from upcountry Kenya dreams of becoming an accomplished actor one day, and in pursuit of this, he makes his way to Nairobi, the city of opportunity. He quickly understands why Nairobi is nicknamed Nairrobery as he is bereaved of all his money and belongings and left alone in a city where he doesn’t know a soul. Luck or the lack of it brings Mwas face to face with the city’s criminals and forms a friendship with a small time crook who takes him in. He is quickly drawn into a world of crime as he struggles to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Keeping the two worlds separate proves to be a challenge for Mwas as he steps into this unknown world called Nairobi.

Review

babadubu

Nairobi Half Life does not boast an original premise. A young kid from rural Kenya with dreams of moving to the city(Nairobi) and becoming an actor. What immediately differentiates it from other local films and a lot of international films is how it casts an unforgiving realistic eye on the protagonists life and actions. The movie does an excellent job of examining the underbelly of suffering and desperation in the country, from personal struggles of the youth to larger hurdles the nation is trying to leap; all the while narrating a story that will take you through a full range of genuine emotions before leaving you somewhat inspired and in some form of reflection. The actors are commendable in their performances and bar one minor continuity error (or two), the storytelling is superb. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a different African cinematic experience.