Watch Moko Jumbie

Moko Jumbie is a 2017 film directed by Vashti Anderson, which tells the story of two groups of people from different classes and backgrounds living in the rural north of Trinidad. Asha (Vanna Girod), who is from the town, has moved back to live with her father, Uncle (Ryan Martinez). Asha takes a liking to her neighbour, Roger (Keston Dick), who is a fisherman and taxi driver, but he is cajoled into doing another line of work. However, Roger's interest in Asha is mutual, and they start to have a relationship. Meanwhile, Asha is looking to set up a carnival group in the area.

Roger, on the other hand, is dealing with poachers who are stealing his fish. The poachers have been hired by a rich man, Mr. Styles (Joseph Martin), who is looking to buy up all the land in the area for development. Roger struggles to protect his fish, and the fish market withdraws its support, forcing Roger to look elsewhere for help.

One of the town's elders, Mas Ralph (Anthony Blackburn), who is referred to as a "Moko Jumbie," uses his experience with traditional stick fighting to help Roger fight off the poachers. Amidst all the chaos, Asha and Roger grow closer, and Asha discovers what she really wants out of life.

The film garnered positive reviews for its portrayal of the rural parts of Trinidad and Tobago, which is significantly underrepresented in mainstream media. The film is almost borderless and devoid of major cities like Port-of-Spain or Chaguanas, which is uncommon in Caribbean-centric film.

Moko Jumbie is a slow-burning film that portrays the beauty and hardships of rural Trinidad. Much of the film's focus is on the cultures and traditions of Trinidad and Tobago, which are poorly depicted in other media. The film also touches on topics like gentrification, class, and love—an emotional and cultural bond between two individuals from different backgrounds.

Anderson's direction in the film is masterful. She is consistent with the pacing and evocative of the film's mood, which is melancholic and contemplative. As a result, the film manages to strike a balance between subtle and pronounced moments.

The film's cinematography stands out, as it does an excellent job of capturing the natural beauty of Trinidad and Tobago's rural areas. The lush green vegetation, the calm seas, and the stunning sunsets all serve as backdrops for the movie's main events.

What makes Moko Jumbie stand out is the fact that it tells a story from a unique perspective. It is rare to see films that portray the rich cultures of Trinidad and Tobago, and this film does that, without holding back. It showcases the vibrant and mystical lifestyles that embody the country's heart and soul, making it a noteworthy addition to Trinidadian film history.

In conclusion, Moko Jumbie is a well-crafted film that showcases the lesser-known side of Trinidad and Tobago. The film's excellence lies in its unique portrayal of the rural areas' culture, traditions, and ways of life—a rarity in mainstream Caribbean-centered media. Vashti Anderson's direction, the fantastic cast, and the exceptional cinematography all come together to make this film a must-watch.

Moko Jumbie is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.