This film is very entertaining, and at first glance is an enjoyable insight into the a 'Gypsy' community. However, what Western audiences tend to forget is that 'Gypsy' is a derogatory term, and the characters in the films of Gatlif (and Emir Kusturica) are supposed to represent Roma people, which is the correct term to use.
Not only does the film stereotype Roma into a very narrow depiction, focussing on their 'intoxicating' and sensual existence of dancing and music, reality is not present. The reality of the situation for Europe's Romanies is as Europe's most marginalised people, often living in poverty and without education. To find out more, type in 'Roma rights' into google.
As one last example - did it not seem entirely unreaslistic that at the end of the film, after Sabina's brother has burned alive and her village been destroyed, she smiles serenely from Stéphane's car, being whisked away from her past life.
Sorry Tony, but you've done the people you call your own another injustice.
Not only does the film stereotype Roma into a very narrow depiction, focussing on their 'intoxicating' and sensual existence of dancing and music, reality is not present. The reality of the situation for Europe's Romanies is as Europe's most marginalised people, often living in poverty and without education. To find out more, type in 'Roma rights' into google.
As one last example - did it not seem entirely unreaslistic that at the end of the film, after Sabina's brother has burned alive and her village been destroyed, she smiles serenely from Stéphane's car, being whisked away from her past life.
Sorry Tony, but you've done the people you call your own another injustice.