Viva Riva!

2010

98 mins

Directed by Djo Tunda Wa Munga
87%
50%
Action
Drama

Brutal, gangster crime-drama from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chronicles the misadventures of an oil bandit and his sidekick as... More

Brutal, gangster crime-drama from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chronicles the misadventures of an oil bandit and his sidekick as they run afoul of everyone from the police to the local crime boss.

"Blazing with torrid sex, mean-ass violence and lurid gangsta fashion choices, this slick, high-octane entertainment has been both a box office bonanza and the year’s big award winner amongst African films – to the chagrin of those who would take a more sober approach to the fever of corruption gripping every character in view." (Source: NZ International Film Festival 2011)

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Viva Riva! | Ratings & Reviews

87_%60 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes® rating
50_%916 reviews
Audience score rating

"By turns brutally violent and sexually explicit, the slickly shot Viva Riva! embraces genre conventions to reveal a society riddled with corruption at every level."

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Total Film

"Repackaging the revenge thriller in parakeet colors and distinctive African beats, the Congolese writer and director Djo Tunda Wa Munga gives Viva Riva! a playful sensuality that goes a long way toward disguising formula."

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The New York Times

"A tough, sturdy thriller set in Kinshasa suggests an impressive future for director Djo Munga."

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The Guardian

"A slick, exciting, well-made crime thriller, dripping with atmosphere."

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Roger Ebert

"As gut-punch storytelling, Viva Riva! delivers much, not the least of which is the promise of an exciting new filmmaking talent."

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Los Angeles Times

"Driven by its charismatic upstart gangster protagonist Riva, the film is one joyride that knows it will careen into a spectacular crash. Djo Tunda wa Munga captures the particular vibe released by this mixture of carpe diem and self-destructive instinct."

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Hollywood Reporter

"On the basis of this expertly engineered crime thriller Djo Munga is a director going places."

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Empire Magazine

"Frenetic, sleazy, and entertaining as all hell, Viva Riva! is a stylish and (save for the NC-17 it'd certainly earn) multiplex-worthy crime drama from, of all unexpected places, the Democratic Republic Of The Congo."

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