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Disgrace (2008)
Powerful performances
Disgrace is a movie based on the novel of the same name by J. M. Coetzee, a Nobel Prize-winning author from South Africa. The movie was released in 2008 and directed by Steve Jacobs. It stars John Malkovich as David Lurie, a university professor who has an affair with a student and loses his job. He then moves to his daughter's farm in the Eastern Cape, where he faces the aftermath of apartheid and the violence of the new South Africa. The movie explores the themes of guilt, redemption, justice, and reconciliation in a complex and challenging way.
The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics and audiences. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and won several awards at international film festivals, such as the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the Black Pearl Award at the Middle East Film Festival. The movie was praised for its faithful adaptation of the novel, its powerful performances, and its realistic depiction of the social and political issues in South Africa.
Long Night's Journey Into Day (2000)
More Truth less Reconciliation.
Long Night's Journey into Day is a documentary film that explores the aftermath of apartheid in South Africa through the lens of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The TRC was a special court that offered amnesty to perpetrators of human rights violations in exchange for their full confession and cooperation. The film follows four cases of the TRC, each involving a different aspect of the conflict between the white minority regime and the black majority resistance. The film shows the emotional and moral challenges of confronting the past and seeking forgiveness in a deeply divided society.
The film was directed by Deborah Hoffmann and Frances Reid, two award-winning filmmakers who spent two and a half years filming the TRC hearings and interviewing the participants. The film was narrated by Helen Mirren, a renowned British actress who has played several roles related to South Africa. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2001, and won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in 20003.
The film is widely praised for its powerful and balanced portrayal of the human drama and the historical context of the TRC process. The film also raises important questions about the meaning and limits of justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the face of atrocities and trauma. The film is a compelling and insightful look into a unique and courageous experiment in healing a nation.
If you are interested in watching the film, you can find it on Amazon or IMDb.
Nommer 37 (2018)
Thriller of note
Number 37 is a South African crime thriller film that was released in 2018. It was written and directed by Nosipho Dumisa, and it stars Irshaad Ally, Monique Rockman, Danny Ross, and David Manuel. The film is inspired by the Alfred Hitchcock classic Rear Window, and it follows a paraplegic man who witnesses a murder and tries to blackmail the killer, while being hunted by a loan shark.
The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences, and it won several awards, including Best Director at the Fantasia International Film Festival. It is considered one of the best South African films of recent years, and it showcases the talent and diversity of the local film industry.
If you are a fan of suspenseful and gritty movies, you might enjoy watching Number 37. You can find it on various streaming platforms, such as Netflixor Amazon Prime Video.
Ellen: Die storie van Ellen Pakkies (2018)
Mothers who kill
The Ellen Pakkies Story is a South African drama film based on true events. It tells the story of Ellen Pakkies, a mother who strangled her drug-addicted son Abie in 2007, after years of abuse and violence. The film explores the troubled relationship between Ellen and Abie, as well as the legal and social consequences of her actions.
The film was directed by Daryne Joshua and starred Jill Levenberg as Ellen and Jarrid Geduld as Abie. It received critical acclaim and several awards, including best actress, best actor and best scriptwriter at the kykNET Silwerskerm Festival.
The Ellen Pakkies Story is a powerful and emotional film that raises awareness about the impact of drug addiction and the challenges faced by mothers like her.
Catch a Fire (2006)
Flames on Flick.
Catch a Fire is a 2006 political thriller directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Derek Luke and Tim Robbins. It is based on the true story of Patrick Chamusso, a South African oil refinery worker who became a freedom fighter for the African National Congress (ANC) after being falsely accused and tortured by the apartheid regime. The film explores the themes of oppression, resistance, and redemption, as well as the moral dilemmas faced by both Chamusso and his pursuer, Colonel Nic Vos, a police officer who tries to infiltrate the Chamussos' lives. A must see for anyone interested in South African history.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Shawshank Redemption: A Timeless Classic That Celebrates the Power of Hope and Friendship
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 drama film based on Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker who is wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover, and sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank State Penitentiary. There, he befriends Ellis "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman), a fellow inmate and smuggler, and uses his skills and intelligence to cope with the harsh realities of prison life.
The film is a masterpiece of storytelling, character development, and cinematography. It explores themes such as hope, friendship, justice, corruption, and redemption, and shows how one man can make a difference in a seemingly hopeless situation. The film is also a tribute to the power of the human spirit, as Andy never gives up on his dreams and plans, despite the obstacles and challenges he faces.
The film is directed by Frank Darabont, who also wrote the screenplay. He does a remarkable job of adapting King's story to the screen, capturing its essence and expanding its scope. He also elicits superb performances from the cast, especially Robbins and Freeman, who create a memorable and believable bond as Andy and Red. The film also features excellent supporting roles from Bob Gunton as the cruel and hypocritical warden, James Whitmore as the elderly and tragic librarian, and Clancy Brown as the brutal and sadistic guard.
The film is enhanced by the beautiful and atmospheric music composed by Thomas Newman, who creates a score that reflects the mood and tone of the film. The film also boasts of stunning and realistic visuals, thanks to the cinematography by Roger Deakins, who uses natural light and shadows to create a contrast between the gloomy and oppressive prison and the bright and liberating outside world.
The Shawshank Redemption is a film that deserves its reputation as one of the greatest films of all time. It is a film that moves, inspires, and uplifts the viewers, and leaves them with a lasting impression. It is a film that celebrates the resilience and dignity of the human soul, and the power of hope and friendship. It is a film that everyone should watch and appreciate.
Tsotsi (2005)
Tsotsi: A Gripping Tale of Redemption in the Slums of Johannesburg
Tsotsi is a powerful and moving film that explores the harsh realities of life in the slums of Johannesburg, South Africa. The film follows the transformation of a young gang leader, Tsotsi (Presley Chweneyagae), who steals a car and accidentally kidnaps a baby. As he struggles to care for the child, he begins to confront his own violent past and find his humanity.
The film is based on a novel by Athol Fugard, a renowned South African playwright and activist. The director, Gavin Hood, adapts the story to the contemporary setting of post-apartheid South Africa, where crime, poverty, and HIV/AIDS are rampant. Hood uses a gritty and realistic style, with handheld camera work and natural lighting, to create a vivid portrait of the urban landscape and its inhabitants. The film also features a pulsating soundtrack by Zola, a popular South African rapper and musician, who also plays a supporting role as Fela, a rival gang leader.
The film's greatest strength is the performance of Chweneyagae, who makes his debut as Tsotsi. He portrays the character with a mix of menace, vulnerability, and charisma, capturing his complex and conflicted emotions. He is supported by a strong cast of actors, most of whom are non-professionals, who bring authenticity and depth to their roles. The film also explores the themes of identity, redemption, and social justice, without being preachy or sentimental. It shows the harsh consequences of violence and oppression, but also the possibility of change and hope.
Tsotsi is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated by a wide audience. It is a rare example of a film that combines artistic excellence, social relevance, and emotional impact. It is not surprising that it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006, as well as many other accolades. Tsotsi is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.