War Witch 2013
Directed by
Kim Nguyen
Made by
Tribeca Film
Plot Summary
During a brutal civil war in sub-Saharan Africa, a 12-year-old girl named Komona finds herself in a nightmare when she is abducted by a rebel faction that raids her village, led by a warlord infamously known as the Great Tiger. Tragically, the rebels force Komona to commit the unthinkable: she is compelled to kill her own parents. Soon after, she is taken to a desolate island with numerous other children, all of whom are subjected to inhumane treatment. They’re not only used as porters but are also trained to wield automatic weapons and thrust into the chaos of war.
As she drags herself through this harrowing experience, God gives her a bizarre gift. After drinking tree sap, she begins to have vivid hallucinations that eventually help her survive an onslaught. Her miraculous ability leads the Great Tiger to brand her a child witch, seeing her visions as an asset in the ongoing conflict.
In the midst of her turmoil, Komona forms a bond with a boy named Magician, who has albinism. Together, they dream of escaping the clutches of the rebels and find refuge with her uncle. In a twist of fate, her uncle expresses a desire to marry her and promises to catch a rare white rooster as a means to solidify her consent. Although he manages to capture the bird, their plan is abruptly shattered when a commander from the Great Tiger’s ranks tracks Komona down and kidnaps her, leading to the tragic death of Magician.
Later, after being forced to become the concubine of this commander, Komona’s resilience shines through when she takes back her agency by killing him and fleeing to the safety of her uncle. Throughout this emotional journey, she recounts her life story to her unborn child. In her quest to return home and lay her parents to rest—who have continued to haunt her—she unexpectedly goes into labor and gives birth to a son, naming him after her beloved Magician as a tribute to their enduring love amidst the horrors they endured.
Timeline
Abduction by Rebels
During a brutal civil war in sub-Saharan Africa, 12-year-old Komona is abducted from her village by a rebel faction. The warlord known as the Great Tiger leads this faction, marking the beginning of a traumatic journey for her.
Forced to Kill
As part of the rebels' horrifying initiation, Komona is forced to commit the unthinkable act of killing her own parents. This heart-wrenching moment steals away her childhood, plunging her into a life of violence and grief.
Life on the Island
Komona is taken to a desolate island where other children like her are held captive. The rebels subject them to inhumane treatment, using them as porters, while training them to wield weapons for the chaos of war.
Visions from God
In the midst of her suffering, Komona receives a strange gift from God. After drinking tree sap, she begins to experience vivid hallucinations, which she later realizes help her endure and survive the attacks amidst the war.
Branded a Child Witch
The Great Tiger, intrigued by Komona's hallucinations, brands her as a 'child witch.' This label both repulses and empowers her, as it makes her visions valuable in the ongoing conflict.
Bonding with Magician
During her ordeal, Komona forms a bond with a boy named Magician, who has albinism. Together, they share dreams of escaping the clutches of the rebel faction and finding safety with her uncle.
Uncle's Proposal
In a twist of fate, Komona learns that her uncle wishes to marry her. He promises to catch a rare white rooster as a means of winning her consent, leaving her both hopeful and conflicted about the future.
Capture of the White Rooster
Her uncle succeeds in capturing the white rooster, a symbol of their engagement and a glimmer of hope for Komona. However, tragedy strikes as the commander from the Great Tiger's ranks discovers Komona's whereabouts.
Tragic Loss of Magician
As Komona is kidnapped once again, her beloved friend Magician faces a tragic end. His death devastates Komona, further darkening her already harrowing journey through war and loss.
Becoming a Concubine
Following her abduction, Komona is forced to become the concubine of the commander who kidnapped her. Despite her circumstances, she retains a glimmer of hope for her eventual freedom.
Taking Back Control
In a moment of sheer resilience, Komona retaliates against her captor by killing the commander. This act of defiance marks a turning point in her battle for survival and autonomy.
Journey to Safety
After escaping her captor, Komona embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with her uncle. Throughout her travels, she reflects on her past, haunted by memories of her parents.
Unexpected Labor
As Komona's journey comes to a climax, she unexpectedly goes into labor. The pain of childbirth is intertwined with the memories of her lost childhood and stolen dreams.
Birth of Her Son
In a bittersweet moment, Komona gives birth to a son during her escape. She names him after her beloved friend Magician, preserving his memory amidst the chaos surrounding her.
Reconciliation with the Past
As she holds her newborn son, Komona reflects on her harrowing journey and the loss of her parents. She finds a sense of closure, vowing to honor their memory and navigate a better future for her child.
Characters
Komona
Komona is a 12-year-old girl forced into a nightmare after being abducted during a civil war. Her strength and resilience become apparent as she endures significant trauma and emerges as a survivor. Despite her harrowing experiences, she possesses a deep sense of hope and love, which ultimately drive her to reclaim her life.
Magician
Magician, a boy with albinism, forms a strong bond with Komona, representing companionship in the midst of chaos. His character embodies innocence and creativity, providing a glimmer of hope for a better future despite the dark environment they inhabit. His tragic fate emphasizes the deep emotional connections forged amidst turmoil.
Setting
Time period
The events transpire during a brutal civil war, a time marked by chaos, displacement, and human rights violations. This period showcases the stark reality of war's impact on children, forcing them into unbearable circumstances and shaping their futures amidst violence.
Location
Sub-Saharan Africa, Desolate Island
The movie is set in the harsh landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa, which is known for its diverse cultures and conflicts. The desolate island symbolizes the isolation and suffering endured by the children abducted by rebel factions. It serves as a grim backdrop to the brutality of war and the resilience of young survivors.
Themes
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Survival
The theme of survival is central to Komona’s journey as she navigates the horrors of war and abduction. Her resilience and unique ability to see visions help her endure the traumatic experiences inflicted by the rebels. Despite the overwhelming odds, Komona's drive to reclaim her agency and protect her lineage reflects the indomitable spirit of those trapped in conflict.
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Trauma
The film vividly explores the psychological trauma endured by children in warfare. Komona’s memories of her parents and the violence she witnesses haunt her throughout her journey. This theme not only highlights the patterns of loss and grief but also the struggle for healing amid devastating experiences.
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Hope
Amid the darkness, the theme of hope emerges through Komona and Magician’s dreams of escape and a better life. Their bond demonstrates how love can flourish even in the direst of circumstances. Komona's ultimate act of naming her son after Magician signifies the enduring legacy of hope and love.
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