---
name: "Isaach de Bankolé"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/isaach-de-bankole"
fi1m_id: "isaach-de-bankole"
imdb_id: "nm0207218"
tmdb_id: 4812
wikidata_id: "Q1342843"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "12 August 1957"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 77
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-19T04:31:31.261990+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Isaach de Bankolé

## Identity

Isaach de Bankolé

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/isaach-de-bankole
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** isaach-de-bankole
- **IMDb ID:** nm0207218
- **TMDB ID:** 4812
- **Wikidata ID:** Q1342843
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaach_de_Bankol%C3%A9, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1342843, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0207218/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4812

Actor. Born 12 August 1957 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 12 August 1957, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- **Active:** 1990–present
- **Also known as:**  Isaach De Bankole , Isaac De Bankole, Zachari Bankolé
- **Average Fi1m score:** 77, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 87 (2), 2000s 80 (3), 2010s 74 (3), 2020s 70 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 78 to 74 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 6 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 7, Action 4, Crime 4, Adventure 3, Thriller 3, Science Fiction 2
- **Screen time:** 20 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $3,055m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaach_de_Bankol%C3%A9, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1342843, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0207218/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4812

## Coming up

- *Dune: Part Three* (2026-12-15), as Farok — [page](https://film.one/film/dune-part-three.md)

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Calvary*](https://film.one/film/calvary.md) (81)
- **The Criterion Channel:** [*Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai*](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md) (80)
- **HBO Max:** [*The Brutalist*](https://film.one/film/the-brutalist.md) (76)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Isaach de Bankolé

> Isaach de Bankolé makes guarded men worth watching without explaining away their reserve. We value his small changes of expression and sparing dialogue most with directors who give him time; start with his work for Jim Jarmusch.

Isaach de Bankolé often lets a face remain difficult to read. He can suggest feeling with a slight change of expression, and we find that restraint more involving than an actor spelling everything out. His early starring role as Protée in Claire Denis’s *Chocolat* (1988) brought him international attention. His recurring collaborators include Denis and Jim Jarmusch, whose patience particularly suits him.

We were unexpectedly touched by *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999), because Jarmusch gives us time to watch Forest Whitaker’s hitman think. De Bankolé’s Raymond fits that pace: his quiet expression gives us something to attend to without interrupting it. RZA’s music helps the film be funny as well as touching, rather than merely solemn about its samurai hitman. The gangster caricatures wear thin, and our affection for the film does not make them less tiresome. But this is where de Bankolé’s ability to suggest feeling without much speech has room to work.

*The Limits of Control* (2009) makes that quality the main attraction, with Jarmusch casting him as the Lone Man in a minimalist thriller. His English-language work more often puts him in supporting or guest parts, including Steven Obanno in *Casino Royale* (2006) and the River Tribe Elder in *Black Panther* (2018). These are useful reminders that the quiet actor can also work within a large commercial film. We prefer him with enough time to suggest what a character feels; looking enigmatic on its own can soon become dull.

His Gordon in Brady Corbet’s *The Brutalist* (2024) is another supporting part, in a film whose principal achievement in acting belongs to Adrien Brody. We recommend it for its assured first half and for Brody, with a substantial caveat about the second half losing its way. It is not the first film we would choose for someone curious about de Bankolé, though it is worth the evening. Start with *Ghost Dog*, then try *The Limits of Control* if the silences held your attention.

## Biography

Isaach de Bankolé is an Ivorian actor, born Zachari Bankolé on 12 August 1957 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. He moved to Paris in 1975, where he pursued a master's degree in physics and mathematics at the University of Paris before training at the Cours Simon drama school.

De Bankolé received the César Award for Most Promising Actor for his performance in *Black Mic Mac* (1986). He has worked with directors including Claire Denis in *Chocolat* (1988) and Jim Jarmusch in several films. His international credits include Steven Obanno in *Casino Royale* (2006), the River Tribe Elder in *Black Panther* (2018) and *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), and Gordon in *The Brutalist* (2024). He has also appeared in the television series *24*.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (11)

- *Task* (2025), Fi1m 67, as Father Daniel Georges — [page](https://film.one/tv/task.md)
- *The Brutalist* (2024), Fi1m 76, as Gordon — [page](https://film.one/film/the-brutalist.md)
- *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), Fi1m 66, as River Tribe Elder — [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther-wakanda-forever.md)
- *Black Panther* (2018), Fi1m 80, as River Tribe Elder — [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther.md)
- *Calvary* (2014), Fi1m 81, as Simon — [page](https://film.one/film/calvary.md)
- *I Am Slave* (2010), Fi1m 61, as Bah — [page](https://film.one/film/i-am-slave.md)
- *The Diving Bell and the Butterfly* (2007), Fi1m 87, as Laurent — [page](https://film.one/film/the-diving-bell-and-the-butterfly.md)
- *Casino Royale* (2006), Fi1m 86, as Steven Obanno — [page](https://film.one/film/casino-royale.md)
- *Miami Vice* (2006), Fi1m 67, as Neptune — [page](https://film.one/film/miami-vice-2006.md)
- *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999), Fi1m 80, as Raymond — [page](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md)
- *The Sopranos* (1999), Fi1m 94, as Father Obosi — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-sopranos.md)

## Complete filmography (75)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Dune: Part Three* (2026), as Farok — coming soon, [page](https://film.one/film/dune-part-three.md)
- *The Fence* (2026), as Alboury
- *Muganga* (2025), as Denis Mukwege
- *Task* (2025), series, as Father Daniel Georges — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/tv/task.md)
- *The Brutalist* (2024), as Gordon — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/the-brutalist.md)
- *Parish* (2024), series, as Tongai Sr.
- *Snakeeater* (2024), as Frank · Executive Producer
- *The People We Hate at the Wedding* (2022), as Henrique
- *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), as River Tribe Elder — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther-wakanda-forever.md)
- *The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib* (2022), series, as Sebastian Amadou (voice)
- *French Exit* (2021), as Julius
- *Godfather of Harlem* (2019), series, as Monsieur 98
- *Shaft* (2019), as Pierro 'Gordito' Carrera
- *A Violent Man* (2019), as Pete
- *Black Is Beltza* (2018), as Wilson Clever (voice)
- *Black Panther* (2018), as River Tribe Elder — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/black-panther.md)
- *S.W.A.T.* (2017), series, as Aden Syed
- *Kiss Me!* (2017), as Bernard
- *Double Play* (2017), as Ernesto
- *Femme Noire* (2017), Actor
- *Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer* (2016), Actor
- *The Last Witch Hunter* (2015), as Max Schlesinger
- *Run* (2014), as Assa
- *Where the Road Runs Out* (2014), as George · Co-Executive Producer
- *Mirage* (2014), as Francis · Executive Producer
- *Calvary* (2014), as Simon — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/calvary.md)
- *Mother of George* (2013), as Ayodele Balogun
- *Chaos* (2012), as Vincent
- *Oka!* (2011), as Bassoun
- *I Am Slave* (2010), as Bah — Fi1m 61, [page](https://film.one/film/i-am-slave.md)
- *White Material* (2010), as Boxer
- *White Collar* (2009), series, as Luc Renaud
- *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Larry Oliver — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *The Limits of Control* (2009), as Lone Man
- *The Guitar* (2008), as Roscoe Wasz
- *Machetero* (2008), as Jean Dumont
- *The Fifth Patient* (2007), as Cpt. Mugambe
- *Battle in Seattle* (2007), as Abasi
- *The Diving Bell and the Butterfly* (2007), as Laurent — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/film/the-diving-bell-and-the-butterfly.md)
- *Casino Royale* (2006), as Steven Obanno — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/casino-royale.md)
- *Miami Vice* (2006), as Neptune — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/film/miami-vice-2006.md)
- *The Unit* (2006), series, as General Togar
- *Stay* (2005), as Professor
- *Before It Had a Name* (2005), as Waiter
- *The Skeleton Key* (2005), as Creole Gas Station Owner
- *Manderlay* (2005), as Timothy
- *From Other Worlds* (2004), as Abraham
- *Homework* (2004), as Jean · Executive Producer
- *Coffee and Cigarettes* (2004), as Isaach (segment "No Problem")
- *The Killing Zone* (2003), as Malcolm
- *24* (2001), series, as Ule Matobo — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/24.md)
- *3 A.M.* (2001), as Angus
- *Bàttu* (2000), as Saar
- *Cherry* (1999), as Menu Man
- *Otomo* (1999), as Otomo
- *The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Oganga, the Giver and Taker of Life* (1999), as Sgt. Barthelmy
- *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999), as Raymond — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md)
- *The Sopranos* (1999), series, as Father Obosi — Fi1m 94, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-sopranos.md)
- *A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries* (1998), as Mamadou
- *The Keeper* (1995), as Jean Baptiste
- *Casa de Lava* (1995), as Leão
- *Heart of Darkness* (1994), as Mfumu
- *Night on Earth* (1991), as Cab Driver Paris
- *No Fear, No Die* (1990), as Dah
- *Vanille fraise* (1989), as Hippolyte N'Go · Dialogue
- *How to Make Love to a Negro Without Getting Tired* (1989), as Vieux
- *Ada in the Jungle* (1988), as Bumbo
- *Chocolat* (1988), as Protée
- *Lady Cops* (1987), as Inspecteur Lacroix
- *Taxi Boy* (1986), as Touré
- *Black Mic Mac* (1986), as Lemi
- *Noir et blanc* (1986), Actor
- *The Syringe* (1984), Actor
- *Comment draguer tous les mecs* (1984), as Honoré Clair
- *Traveling Miles*, Director

## Gallery

- ![Isaach de Bankolé](https://film.one/media/person/8740/gallery-61b9fc8dfe87.jpg) Isaach de Bankolé — che (Please credit as "Petr Novák, Wikipedia" in case you use this outside Wikimedia projects.), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/Isaach_De_Bankol%C3%A9%2C_2009.jpg/1280px-Isaach_De_Bankol%C3%A9%2C_2009.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Isaach de Bankolé at a photo call for Kering Women in Motion at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival](https://film.one/media/person/8740/gallery-290d5d2fa4b8.jpg) Isaach de Bankolé at a photo call for Kering Women in Motion at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival — Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Isaach_de_Bankol%C3%A9_at_the_2026_Cannes_Film_Festival-67559.jpg/1280px-Isaach_de_Bankol%C3%A9_at_the_2026_Cannes_Film_Festival-67559.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Director Jim Jarmusch and actor Isaach de Bankolé promote their film The Limits of Control at the San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 22, 200 (2009)](https://film.one/media/person/8740/gallery-9a35bfa63afe.jpg) Director Jim Jarmusch and actor Isaach de Bankolé promote their film The Limits of Control at the San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 22, 200 (2009) — Olatz eta Leire, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Jim_Jarmusch_%26_Isaach_de_Bankol%C3%A9.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Jury Members Demi Moore, Isaach de Bankolé, Laura Wandel, Stellan Skarsgård, Chloé Zhao, Jury President Park Chan-wook, Ruth Negga, Die (2026)](https://film.one/media/person/8740/gallery-1e7b17035429.jpg) CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Jury Members Demi Moore, Isaach de Bankolé, Laura Wandel, Stellan Skarsgård, Chloé Zhao, Jury President Park Chan-wook, Ruth Negga, Die (2026) — YantsImages, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Jury_of_the_2026_Cannes_Film_Festival_by_YantsImages_01.jpg/1280px-Jury_of_the_2026_Cannes_Film_Festival_by_YantsImages_01.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Isaach de Bankolé](https://film.one/media/person/8740/gallery-51158e550ae1.jpg) Isaach de Bankolé — Image via TMDB
- ![CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Jury Members Demi Moore, Isaach de Bankolé, Laura Wandel, Stellan Skarsgård, Chloé Zhao, Jury President Park Chan-wook, Ruth Negga, Die (2026)](https://film.one/media/person/8740/gallery-d696bbb54c67.jpg) CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 12: Jury Members Demi Moore, Isaach de Bankolé, Laura Wandel, Stellan Skarsgård, Chloé Zhao, Jury President Park Chan-wook, Ruth Negga, Die (2026) — YantsImages, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Jury_of_the_2026_Cannes_Film_Festival_by_YantsImages_02.jpg/1280px-Jury_of_the_2026_Cannes_Film_Festival_by_YantsImages_02.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/isaach-de-bankole