Poster for Sugar Cane Alley

Sugar Cane Alley

1983, Comedy/Drama, 1h 45m

41 Reviews 500+ Ratings

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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.

Cast & Crew

Garry Cadenat
Garry Cadenat
Jose
Darling Legitimus
Darling Legitimus
M'Man Tine
Douta Seck
Douta Seck
Medouze
Euzhan Palcy
Euzhan Palcy
Director
Euzhan Palcy
Euzhan Palcy
Screenwriter
Joseph Zobel
Joseph Zobel
Screenwriter
Michel Loulergue
Michel Loulergue
Producer
Jean-Luc Ormières
Jean-Luc Ormières
Producer
Alix Régis
Alix Régis
Producer
Groupe Malavoi
Groupe Malavoi
Music
Dominique Chapuis
Dominique Chapuis
Cinematographer
Marie-Josèphe Yoyotte
Marie-Josèphe Yoyotte
Film Editing
Hoang Thanh At
Hoang Thanh At
Production Design
Isabelle Filleul
Isabelle Filleul
Costume Design
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Critic Reviews for Sugar Cane Alley

All Critics (41) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (41)
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… Henry Sheehan Los Angeles Reader 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
View All Critic Reviews (41)

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
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