Sia, the Dream of the Python

Lacks visual flair. But Kouyate elicits strong performances from his cast, and he delivers a powerful commentary on how governments lie, no matter who runs them.

In trying to reproduce the griot's tone, Mr. Kouyaté rejects psychological nuance and dramatic shading: this is a tale that advances quickly and boldly, peopled by deliberately one-dimensional characters.

Sia becomes a bloodbath of Shakespearean proportions as even the good guys kill one another in an effort to preserve illusions.

Colorful and deceptively buoyant until it suddenly pulls the rug out from under you.