Shabu

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Shabu

2021

1h 15m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

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11 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Shabu, a 14-year-old from Peperklip, Rotterdam, accidentally crashes into his grandmother's car. Then, he spends a summer trying to earn money for the car while pursuing his passion of making music.

Rebecca Harrison

Sight & Sound

Culminating in a carnival-esque party for the local residents, Shabu tells a story about what it means to say sorry and do the right thing by the people that matter – and that’s something many of us could learn from, no matter our age.

Apr 21, 2024

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

The film skates in the grey area between factual and fiction film-making, but Shabu’s coming of age and growth as a human being is persuasive, affecting and authentic.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 9, 2023

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Danny Leigh

Financial Times

Raphaëla tweaks the vérité to capture deeper truths about being young and the texture of a city childhood.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 6, 2023

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Fedor Tot

WeLoveCinema

Effortlessly breezy neighbourhood portrait is full of flair

Rated: 4/5

Sep 20, 2023

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Elena Lazic

Cineuropa

Unfolding in a delightfully free-flowing format that echoes the shapelessness of hot summer days... Shabu’s hopes and moods rise, fall, then rise again, in an endearing reflection of the big mood swings of childhood.

Jul 13, 2023

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Saskia Baron

The Arts Desk

How much an audience will enjoy it depends on whether they find Shabu a charming example of resilience and chutzpah or just an annoying teenager trying it on.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 7, 2023

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Jim P

This is a very unusual film, about a teenage lad wracked with guilt. If you like music, you'll probably like this. You can't tell how the movie will end!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/03/25

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Synopsis

Shabu, a 14-year-old from Peperklip, Rotterdam, accidentally crashes into his grandmother's car. Then, he spends a summer trying to earn money for the car while pursuing his passion of making music.

Director: Shamira Raphaëla
Producer: Nienke Korthof, Willem Baptist
Screenwriter: Shamira Raphaëla
Production Co: Tangerine Tree, Diplodokus
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Dutch
Runtime: 1h 15m

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