Sugar Cane Alley

1983, Comedy/Drama, 1h 45m

40 Reviews 500+ Ratings

critics consensus

Visually and thematically evocative, Sugar Cane Alley tells a story that's heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure. Read critic reviews

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Sugar Cane Alley Photos

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Movie Info

In the French colony of Martinique in the 1930s, rambunctious teenager Jose (Garry Cadenat) lives in a rundown shack in a small farm village with his doting grandmother, M'Man Tine (Darling Legitimus). While studying diligently at the local school, Jose also learns at the side of wise village elder Medouze (Douta Seck), who tells him first-hand of the lives of African slaves. When Jose wins a scholarship to a prestigious high school in the capital, he brings the wisdom of the village with him.

Rating:

PG
Genre:

Comedy, Drama
Original Language:

French (Canada)
Director:

Euzhan Palcy
Producer:

Michel Loulergue, Jean-Luc Ormières, Alix Régis
Writer:

Euzhan Palcy, Joseph Zobel
Release Date (Theaters):

Sep 21, 1983 original
Runtime:

1h 45m
Distributor:

Orion Pictures, New Yorker Films

Cast & Crew

Garry Cadenat
Jose

Darling Legitimus
M'Man Tine

Douta Seck
Medouze

Euzhan Palcy
Director

Euzhan Palcy
Screenwriter

Joseph Zobel
Screenwriter

Show all Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews for Sugar Cane Alley

All Critics (40) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (40)

Full Review… Laurie Horn Miami Herald

Full Review… David Robinson Times (UK)

Full Review… Derek Malcolm Guardian

Full Review… Nigel Andrews Financial Times

Full Review… Janet Maslin New York Times

Full Review… Bob Lundegaard Minneapolis Star Tribune

Full Review… Philip French Observer (UK)

Full Review… Noel Taylor Ottawa Citizen

Full Review… Tom Long Santa Cruz Sentinel

Full Review… George Williams Sacramento Bee

Full Review… Bruce Bailey Montreal Gazette

Full Review… Lou Lumenick Bergen Record (New Jersey)

View All Critic Reviews (40)

Audience Reviews for Sugar Cane Alley

Apr 02, 2022

A deeply moving story that treats its characters and their circumstances honestly while never feeling too depressing or sentimental.

Alec B Super Reviewer
Nov 29, 2006

A well made story about a bright boy living within the population of sugar cane workers. The acting from the boy is very good and he carries the movie. The other cast members, in particularly the old man, also give good performances. A good movie that is together sad and uplifting.

Aaron N Super Reviewer