Three Revolutionary Films by Ousmane Sembène (Criterion Collection)

Three-disc set includes: Emitaï (1971)During World War II, Vichy France wasn't shy about conscripting soldiers from it's colonies, or levying oppressive taxes upon them. As the residents of a Jola village hide their rice and pursue active resistance, the collaborationist military pushes back violently... and the fall of the Axis might not save the Senegalese from retribution. Ousmane Sembène's sobering opus stars Robert Fontaine, Michel Remaudeau. 103 min. In Wolof and French with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR Xala (1975)For prosperous and corrupt Senegalese businessman El Hadji Abdoukader Beye (Thierno Leye), the wedding night with his third wife didn't, shall we say, go as planned. Convinced he's been hexed by one of his exes, his bid to cure his sudden impotence might just bring additional humiliation. Ousmane Sembène's sly satire, adapted from his own 1973 novel, also stars Seune Samb, Younouss Seye, Myriam Niang. 123 min. In Wolof and French with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR Ceddo (1977)In the 18th century, when a regional Senegalese king (Matoura Dia) sought to enforce his people's conversion to Islam, the warrior sect known as the Ceddo refused... and kidnapped the regent's daughter (Tabata Ndiaye) in protest. The rebellion wasn't appreciated by the local imam, who sought violent reprisal against them. Ousmane Sembène's controversial historical opus also stars Moustapha Yade, Alioune Fall. 120 min. In Wolof and French with English subtitles. C/Rtg: NR Widescreen; Soundtracks: Wolof and French; Subtitles: English; featurettes. In Wolof and French with English subtitles.