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New York Times by Dave Kehr
Mr. Sanou, the director, has shaped this slight, familiar tale with African storytelling techniques, including a griot, the local teacher, who chants Sogo's epic struggle as it evolves, and a chorus of feisty village women who enter the action at decisive points. ''Tasuma'' is innocuous enough, though it often seems willfully tight and channeled, as if Mr. Sanou were doing his best not to allow the reality of these lives to intrude on his pleasant fantasy.