Educational Media Reviews Online

After the recipe for the chocolate bar was discovered in 1879, the islands of San Trope and Principe would never be the same. As the title indicates, these Chocolate Islands were bitterly affected by the cocoa plantations. Colonized by the Portuguese, a system of “slavery in disguise” was practiced. People from the west coast of Africa were brought to the islands to work on the plantations. Although slavery was formally unlawful, these workers were never allowed to return home.

The story presented in this documentary, focuses on both the affects of the cocoa plantation on the islands, and their postcolonial decline. The information is presented entirely through first person interviews. Historians, clergy, citizens of the islands, and others are used to illustrate the past, present and future of the islands.

The film clearly shows the poverty and squalor the citizens of the Republic of San Trope and Principe currently live in. It is through the lenses of the present day that all subjects in the film are illustrated. For example, the history of the islands is not illustrated through photos or other archival materials. Instead, modern day pictures of what is left of the once grand plantations are shown.

The organization of the content is very well done. The documentary is broken into several sections, which is reflected by a written caption preceding the individual segments. Topics such as “From Taiwan with Cash” and “Washington Calling” discuss current international involvement in the Chocolate Islands.

Overall, the quality of the video is good. Language interpreters are clear, and the setting enhances the topic. Viewers should be aware that there is little discussion about the Portuguese and the reasons why they left the islands in the 1970’s.

This film comes recommended for a college environment.