The Train of Salt and Sugar

The Train of Salt and Sugar (2016), directed by Licinio Azevedo, is an African war-drama movie that takes its audience on a powerful and moving journey through the civil war-torn landscape of northern Mozambique. This film features captivating performances by its lead actors, Matamba Joaquim, Melanie de Vales Rafael, and Thiago Justino. It sails away from the modern portrayal of war, yet manages to supersede mainstream stereotypes through its unique narrative, making it a cornerstone in African cinema.

Set during the late1980s at the height of the Mozambican Civil War, the narrative primarily revolves around a singular train journey from Nampula to Malawi, a journey of approximately 500 miles. The track often serves as the only supply line for the war-hit regions, often beset by rebels and bandits, and these voyages become not only challenging but also a matter of life and death.

Joaquim's character is a young and fearless military officer tasked to ride along with this train, who protects the train and its passengers from multiple threats. Melanie de Vales Rafael, featuring as Rosa, is a courageous and enduring nurse who travels to meet her husband on the other side of the war line. Thiago Justino portrays Lieutenant Taiar, a ruthless, power-driven character who imposes his authority over the passengers and conscripted fighters.

The key to understanding the title of the film lies in the transactions that take place throughout the journey. Sugar and salt become two important resources, serving as much more than just culinary necessities. The story unfolds around these multi-faceted exchanges, shaping a complex network of developed characters, each with their own ambitions, strengths, and weaknesses.

In The Train of Salt and Sugar, the director manages to finely tune the mix of grim war realities and historic moments with the vibrant, natural African culture. The specter of war looms out large, but the resilience of humanity and the will to survive rise above all odds. The instinctive African music adds a rhythmic essence to the escalating tensions that beautifully harmonize with the landscape's vastness.

The cinematography of the film deserves special mention as it effectively captures and juxtaposes the rugged terrains of northern Mozambique against the stark and often brutal realities of the civil war. The camera not only showcases the ravaged landscapes and the harsh conditions borne by the community but also manages to bring out the subtle emotional nuances in the character portrayals.

As a war-drama film, The Train of Salt and Sugar delivers powerful imagery, coupled with heart-stirring performances. Joaquim's bold yet humble portrayal of an individual caught in challenging circumstances is a testament to his acting prowess. Similarly, Rafael's strong willed, compassionate Rosa is relatable and intense, and Justino's Taiar is despicable yet pitiable.

Azevedo's impeccable storytelling showcases not only the intense struggles faced by the travellers but also the intricate threads of their personal stories. The movie, in essence, is a gripping tale about people caught in the dreadful realities of war. Their fortified resilience to confront these adversities forms the emotional backbone of this unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Train of Salt and Sugar's compelling narrative and solid performances by its cast allow it to break free from the traditional confines of war-drama. This epic train journey operates as a metaphor for the struggle and resilience of Mozambique's citizens during the prolonged civil war, hence making a strong socio-political statement about life during wartime.

In several ways, The Train of Salt and Sugar is more than just a film - it's a heartfelt tale of courage, survival, power dynamics, and human spirit, told against the backdrop of a nation trying to hold its ground amidst a brutal civil war. This film, undoubtedly, adds a powerful and thought-provoking chapter to the representation of African history in cinema.