At the movies with Daniel Dercksen   

2010 at the movies in South Africa     

Back to Top Films of 2011     

1 WHITE LION **** The real Lion King made his bow on the big screen from the heart of South Africa. The lions of The Kingdom of the White Lion who starred in the film, in particular Thor who performed most of the principal action, all deserves Oscars for their moving performances. The White Lion is not animated, does not rely on robotic animatronics, talking or singing lions, but offers the real thing, dominating the action with their mighty roars. It is refreshing to watch a film where the animals are real and performing without using dubbed voices to express their thoughts. In the tradition of 'Born Free' follows this superb treat for anyone who has ever had a close bond with animals.  Magnificently narrated by John Kani, who plays the storyteller, It follows the life of a white lion, Letsatsi, who was born into a tawny pride in the wilds of Africa. His color difference makes life very difficult for him, forcing him to find his own way in the world, amidst numerous obstacles.  Read more

2 LIEFLING, DIE MOVIE  *****   An absolute joy! A refreshing and fun trip down memory lane that takes us on a nostalgic journey filled with romance and an assortment of colourful characters that evoke laughter and tears. Ideal escapism for anyone with a zest for life (thanks to the meticulous English subtitles), director Brian Webber whips his gorgeous cast into top shape; the energetic ensemble delivers  24 Afrikaans songs, which was adapted and finely honed by Johan Heystek and fully realised by choreographer Raymond Theart. From the beautifully captured opening scene with Marlouise Venter delivering a stunning rendition of Koos du Plessis' 'Kinders van die Wind',  it is evidents that you are in for an extraordinary cinematic experience.  Read more

3 SPUD:  THE MOVIE *****  A sincere and utterly charming journey into the heart of a South African teenager who has already captured the imagination of millions in the groundbreaking bestselling novel by John van de Ruit. Director-writer Donovan Marsh aptly opens the story up and delivers a majestic portrait of the life of a teenager growing up during the birth of a New South Africa. If there is one reason to see this well crafted film, it's for the solid performances from the entire cast, particularly Troye Sivan who shines in the title role, and Jamie Royal as Gecko. John Cleese breaks away from his comic persona and delivers an endearing performance as Spud's mentor. Although the film wickedly explores the sexual awakening of a teenage boy (with humourous fantasy flashes of the girls who awakes his desire) it ultimately is the bond between Spud and his buddies and his mentor that turns the charming film into a rewarding and meaningful experience.  Read more

4 DIE ONGELOOFLIKE AVONTURE VAN HANNA HOEKOM ***** An exceptional South African film. Director Regardt van den Bergh's imaginative vision and screenwriter Gustav Kuhn inspiring adaptation of Marita van der Vyver's novel, showcases the unique talent of Anna Mart van der Merwe, newcomer Anneke Weidemann and Gys de Villiers.  Featuring sensational animation that underlines the fantasy aspect of the film, and an unique music soundtrack, this is proudly South African filmmaking at its best.  It tells the inspiring story of the rebirth of a family who escapes into the rural countryside where they are stripped of technology and forced to redeem their differences, undergoing a spiritual transformation. Read more

5 OUTRAGEOUS **** You don't have to be a fan of stand-up comedy to appreciate the genius of local comedians. The art of persuasion through comic infliction is indeed infectious. Fans of stand-up comedy are treated to a rare comedy experience when Barry Hilton, Mark Banks, Loyiso Gola, Joey Rasdien, Riaad Moosa and Krijay Govender join forces with John Vlismas to present one of the heaviest comedy line-ups ever in the stand up movie of the year, which delivers more laughs per minute than an election campaign.  Vlismas and his friends unite in a comedy stand up film where no punches are spared as they shower blows on sacred cows from every angle.  Read more

6 THEMBA - A BOY CALLED HOPE **** One of the best co-productions to emerge out of South Africa since the release of Beat The Drum, this powerful and well-crafted African story from South African writer-director Stefanie Sycholt offers an emotional journey into the heart and soul of an ordinary impoverished black boy, whose extraordinary courage and dignity changes the world he conquers with passion and unwavering determination. Featuring great performances from the entire cast, it also is testament to the beautiful game of football and the South African spirit, where many successful players begin their lives and careers in dusty, poverty stricken townships and end up on the playing fields of some of the biggest clubs in the world. Read more

7 SUSANNA VAN BILJON ****  This tender romance will delight fans of Karen Zoid and Afrikaans music. Marie du Toit delivers a superb performance as a retired opera diva who smothers her daughter's dreams and imprisons her in their small town home, with Zoid in top form as the mousy 'Ugly Duckling' who dreams of a bigger life (reminding strongly of the character created by Tony Collette in Muriel's Wedding). The film is a touching mother-daughter story, with the mother living in past glory and her daughter Rebecca striving to break free and become a super music star. Director Bromley Cawood perfectly captures the atmosphere of small town living and the conflicts of the society, contrasting it with glamourous big city showbiz.  Read more

8 JAKHALSDANS The latest Afrikaans film written by Deon Meyer and directed By Darrell Roodt takes us into the heart of smalltown South Africa. It delivers a charming romance with Elizma Theron as a teacher who settles in Loxton in the Northern Karoo with her 5 old daughter, Mia (Janke Bruwer) , in a safe and friendly country environment. With the danger of the primary school closing down, Mara used her artistic flair to save the town and find love. Read more

9 BAKGAT 2! ***  Written and directed by dynamic 28-year-old filmmaker Henk Pretorius, it  deliciously celebrates the local youth culture, with a group of college students turning teenage angst into a fun and sexy joyride. Read more

10 HOPEVILLE *** The uplifting South African story of Amos Manyani, a recovering alcoholic who moved to a rundown rural town in the hope of etching out a new life with his alienated son Themba. It is a simplistic story with a big heart that puts you through an emotional blender as cultures and sexes clash to reconcile differences. Read more

1 A PROPHET *****  French director Jacques Audiard brought us the heartbreaking story of an uneducated  19-year-old part Arab, part Corsican man who ends up in prison. Confonted by harsh circumstances and brutal confrontations in prison, Malik's courageous battle for survival and his spiritual journey towards redemption offers a meaningful and heartfelt cinematic experience. The film brilliantly shows how the light of the human spirit can ignite the world.  Read more

2 PRECIOUS: based on the novel Push by Sapphire ***** This rare and dignified masterwork is undoubtedly one of the most important films of our time that opens a window to the soul of humanity and proudly holds up a beacon for outsiders who live in the shadow of society. You cannot deny the overwhelming impact and meaningful intent of this remarkable film that will change your life.  Directed with fervent passion by Lee Daniels, and based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire", it is a vibrant, honest and resoundingly hopeful film about identity and overcoming all odds no matter how hellish the nightmare. Read more

3 BAARIA ***** This dignified masterwork from Italian auteur Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso) reminds us what film is all about. You will laugh and cry and be swept away by the spectacular splendour of filmmaking that is rich in texture and captivating storytelling that will send shivers down your spine! Baaria is Sicilian slang for Bagheria where Tornatore was born and this is an autobiographic epic of three generations in the Sicilian village where he was born. Read more

4 THE INFIDEL ***** An intelligent probing of cultural diversity that is funny, insightful and highly entertaining. In an age where humanity is stripped of its identity, Infidel holds up a mirror that allows us to redefine our cultural heritage and laugh at the differences that separate without insult or nasty infliction. It will turn your frown upside down and open your eyes to the world around you.  Read more

5 FAUBOURG 36 (PARIS 36) ***** Hopeless romantics and discerning viewers will delight in this sumptous feast. If you enjoyed Cinema Paradiso you will love this journey into the world of a theatre group who become a family and stick together through hardships and tough times. Set in a suburb of north-east Paris between December 1935 and July 1936 during the "revolutionary" period of the Popular Front (who introduced the first paid holidays and a shorter working week). Three unemployed performers decide to take over by force the music hall where they worked a few months earlier and stage a show there.  After the ebullient joy of Les Choristes, Christophe Barratier.  now paints a musical portrait of the forgotten life of a working-class district in the Paris of 1936. A blend of comedy and drama,music and passion, Faubourg 36 could also be called Once Upon a Time in Paris…, like an epic fresco of a working-class Paris that has now vanished, with all its humanity, melodies, colourful characters, trivial events, great expectations and, underlying it all, the premonitory signs of unprecedented world-wide chaos. Closer to fiction than realism, the "Paris" of Paris 36 is based on a poetic and evocative vision." says writer director Christophe Barratier.  Read more
6 THE MILLENIUM TRILOGY: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO/ THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE / THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST  ****   This superior Swedish crime trilogy, based on the bestselling novel by the late Swedish author and journalist Stieg Larsson, gripped the imagination of the world and offers cativating entertainment. Spiraling into a world polluted by corruption and crime, it focuses  on the exceptional relationship between a disgraced journalist and a troubled young female computer hacker caught up in a web of deceit and intrigue. Mikael Blomkvist takes on the task of proving Lisbeth's innocence. Read more

7 THE LIMITS OF CONTROL ***** An unforgettable cinematic experience from Jim Jarmusch, who underlines the art of self expression with this captivating journey where every frame allows the audience to put the pieces of the puzzle together and experience the story from the character's point of view. The mystery revolves around a mysterious loner (played by Mr. De Bankoleacute), a stranger, whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged.  Read more 

8 BROKEN EMBRACES ***** Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar takes us on an intimate journey into two stories that collide head on.  A man writes, lives and loves in darkness. Fourteen years before, he was in a brutal car crash on the island of Lanzarote. In the accident, he didn't lose only his sight, he also lost Lena, the love of his life. This man uses two names: Harry Caine, a playful pseudonym with which he signs his literary works, stories and scripts, and Mateo Blanco, his real name, with which he lives and signs the film he directs. It is a story of "amour fou", dominated by fatality, jealously, the abuse of power, treachery and a guilt complex.  Read more

9 MAO'S LAST DANCER **** Sumptous viewing for discerning audiences and ballet lovers. From internationally acclaimed Australian film director Bruce Beresford comes the inspirational true story of a small boy's extraordinary journey from poverty to international stardom. From a grueling apprenticeship as a classical dancer in communist China, to the glory of creative freedom in America. But, there is a painful price to be paid for his quest for self expression. Mao's Last Dancer captures the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity, the pain of exile, and ultimately the triumph of individual endeavour over ideology.  Read more

10 WINTER IN WARTIME **** A touching coming-of-age story that explores how a teenager's life is changed through war. The story tells of a young Dutch boy named Michiel van Beusekom who tries to help the resistance during World War II by helping an English pilot stay out of German hands. Michiel feels resentment towards his father, a mayor, seemingly only interested in maintaining the status quo between the town and the German Army. He worships his uncle Ben, an adventurer in contact with the local resistance. During the winter, Michiel's loyalties are tested.  This 2008 Dutch war film was directed by Martin Koolhoven, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mieke de Jong and Paul Jan Nelissen.  It is based on the novel of the same name by Jan Terlouw..  Read more

BACK

1 INCEPTION ***** Visualist Christopher Nolan returned to his solo creative roots (Memento) and delivered an imaginative masterwork that blew everyone's mind. It was not only one of the most talked about films of 2010, but also the film everyone was talking about after experiencing the tremendous visual impact and pondering the variety of resolutions.  It was good to watch and even better to re-watch and rethink.  Read more

2 NINE ***** In stark contrast to the traditional conventions of the musical genre, Rob Marshall refined his winning formula of Chicago. His innovative and daring fusion of an introspective journey where characters express themselves through music and movement, and an external journey that portrays a conflicted and mundane physical journey, offer a vibrant and fast-paced spectacle that dazzles and sizzles.  Read more

3 THE HABIT OF ART *****  This filmed cinematic experience proved that live theatre can be just as sensational on the big screen as on stage. Featuring a crackling script by Alan Bennett's (The History Boys), this remarkable play poignantly reflected on growing old, creativity and inspiration, and on persisting when all passion's spent: ultimately, on the habit of art.  It gloriously celebrated the Habit of Art: what it takes to be a writer, actor, composer, and even an ordinary person influenced by the art of creation. Read more

4 REMEMBER ME *****   Alan Coulter's extraordinary love letter to New York tells the unforgettable story of the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of living passionately and treasuring every day of one's life. Telling a remarkable story about two wounded people brave enough to try again, its emotionally stirring ending is reminiscent of just how important it is to grab hold of what's important, to love passionately--and live loudly--every day of one's life. It also features a great performance from Robert Pattinson as a tormented young man who has to come to terms with a past tragedy that shapes his destiny.  Read more

5 A SINGLE MAN *****  Tom Ford's debut offers a mesmerising journey into the heart and soul of a man who has lost the love of his life and needs to come to terms with the loss that overpowers his existence. Colin Firth delivers an astounding and controlled performance as a man whose life and dreams are shattered. Julianne Moore is a revelation in her powerhouse performance as a friend who shared his loss. Equally captivating is Matthew Goode as the idealistic lover and Nicholas Hoult is sensational as the guardian angel. Tom Ford's articulate direction aptly captured the frenzied mindscape of a man who has been blinded by love and whose loss created an awareness that allowed him to really see the world around him for the first time.  Read more

6 TAKING WOODSTOCK ***** Ang Lee's sumptous exploration of a gay young man's search for meaning  during the pscycadelic flower-power era mesmerises.  Ang perfectly captured an era of insecurity and the search for identity. Based on the memoirs of Elliot Tiber, Demetri Martin was perfectly cast as Elliot, who inadvertently played a role in making 1969's Woodstock Music and Arts Festival into the famed happening it was. Elliot found himself swept up in a generation-defining experience that changed his life - and popular culture - forever. Liev Schreiber is outstanding as the cross-dressing ex-Marine Vilma, with great support from Emile Hirsch as a wacky Vietnam veteran.  Read more

7 STEP UP 3 D ***** An absolutely sensational cinematic experience that shows what 3D cinema is all about, allowing modern, innovative dance sequences--from a tap-dancing extravaganza to a sensual tango to an adrenaline-fueled street battle--to explode and involve its audience on every level. Besides the spectacular and exhilirating dance sequences, the film also offers a great coming of age story and romance. Director John M. Chu's imaginative direction and visual flair are well supported by the astounding choreography realised by innovative hip-hop shaker and mover Jamal Sims.. Read more.

8 LETTERS TO JULIET ***** A magnificent  love story for hopeless romantics that shows that it is never too late to find love, and that the mystery of true love can be an unbelievable journey of soul searching.  Director Gary Winick (Charlotte's Web, 13 Going On 30) directed this heartwarming romantic comedy written by Jose Rivera (Motorcycle Diaries), with great performances by Amanda Syfried as an aspiring magazine writer and Vanessa Redgrave as the old romantic whose dream fuels the story. Read more

9 THE CRAZIES ***** There is something refreshing about remakes of classic films. This potent reinvention of The Crazies is a story as real as the headlines hitting the news today. It shows that sometimes, the future allows the past to resonate with a horrific new reality. Eisner's new, nail-biting reimagining of Romero's classic movie goes even further than the original in creating a terrifying world in which an experimental bio-weapon brings out its victims' darkest thoughts and puts them into action. Reality is bent and stretched in some extreme ways, but the core of this movie, the inception of the movie, is based in a reality that could happen.  Fortunately Eisner does not turn The Crazies into a bloodfest, but rather focuses on the psychological warfare between ordinary people losing their minds. Eisner keeps the suspense to tight that you can cut it with a knife, delivering some terrific moments of pure terror that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Read more

10 OCEANS ***** An exquisite symphonic dance of image, music and sound that celebrates the creatures of the deep blue. Océans is not a documentary, but a wildlife opera. Each underwater director of photography, each cameraman bringing fragments of the score : that of a hymn to the sea.  Oceans is to be a fish among fishes.  Read more   

SPECIAL MENTION
AVATAR: SPECIAL EDITION  ***** James Cameron did not disappoint when he put a frame around his masterwork and re-edited the film to refine his groundbreaking epic that has taken in over $2.7 billion in worldwide box office.  This version of Cameron's history-making and groundbreaking epic includes more than eight minutes of new footage. Cameron once again transport's us to a spectacular world beyond the imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization.  It delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the epic nature of the story.  It also serves as a potent reminder of how easily humanity can implode and destroy its soul if we loose touch with Mother Nature. Read more

1 LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GA'HOOLE ***** An exquisite masterwork that showcases the genius artistry and craftsmanship of 500 digital artists, a thought provoking screenplay by John Orloff and Emil Stern, and spectacular realisation by visionary director Zack Snyder. This is visceral storytelling at its best, amplified by the magic of 3D. It is filled with awesome spectacle, thrilling adventure and breathtaking flight and battle sequences that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The fight sequences between dueling owls are unbelievable; this balletic dance was captured in slow motion to underline the perfect unison between sound and image. Undoubtedly one of the best animation films ever made, you will applaud its overwhelming magic.  You will laugh and cry (and even shout) as its feathered heroes take you on an imaginative flight of fantasy you will most definitely revisit and never forget. Read more

2 TOY STORY 3 *****  An absolute joyride, filled with laughs, suspense and adventure. Offering first rate escapism, this well crafted film continues Pixar's tradition of imaginative storytelling.  It's fun, fun, fun! Besides offering a great story that captivates and involves from start to finish,  it is a meaningful cinematic experience that serves as a reminder of how important it is to never forget about the child within and the power of the imagination. This is definately storytelling at its best and most exciting, bringing Toy Story 1 and 2 to a magnificent climax . Read more

3 9 ***** Every frame is a masterpiece in this extraordinary creation that showcases the art and splendour of animation. Director Shane Acker's gripping apolcalyptic animated fantasy is the feature-length expansion of his Academy Award-nominated 2004 short film of the same name. The screenplay for the feature was by Pamela Pettler (Monster House). Set in the too-near future. Powered and enabled by the invention known as the Great Machine, the world's machines have turned on mankind and sparked social unrest, decimating the human population before being largely shut down. But as our world fall to pieces, a mission begins to salvage the legacy of civilization; a group of small creations was given the spark of life by a scientist in the final days of humanity, and they continue to exist post-apocalypse. Another of their own, #9 (voiced by Elijah Wood), emerges and displays leadership qualities that may help them survive and possibly even thrive.  Read more

4 WALTZ WITH BASHIR ***** This powerful Israeli animated documentary film written and directed by Ari Folman depicted the filmmaker's search of his lost memories from the 1982 Lebanon War. One night at a bar, an old friend told director Ari about a recurring nightmare in which he was chased by 26 vicious dogs. The two men conclude that there's was a connection to their Israeli Army mission in the first Lebanon War of the early eighties. Intrigued by this riddle, he decided to meet and interview old friends and comrades around the world and needed to discover the truth about that time and about himself. Read more

5 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON ***** Truly remarakble. Following proudly in the footsteps of Oscar-winners Wall-E and Up, this magical cinematic experience was set in the mythical world of burly Vikings and wild dragons, and offered a rich and rewarding portrait of the human condition. The story centers around a Viking teenager named Hiccup, who lives on the island of Berk, where fighting dragons is a way of life, until he befriends a dragon who changes his life.  Read more

6 DISPICABLE ME ***** Absolute fun from start to finish. From producer Chris Meledandri (ice Age, Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!) comes the story of one of the world's greatest super-villains who meets his biggest challenge when three children enters his life.  The film beautifully captures the journey from darkness to light, and the eternal quest for peace and happiness. Read more

7 SHREK FOREVER AFTER **** This further edition to the Shrek experience is as delicious as its predecessors and is tons of fun! The world's favourite Ogre feels over-domesticated and after challenging an evil dragon, rescuing a beautiful princess and saving his in-laws' kingdom, what is an ogre to do? Shrek's quest to restore the balance in his life offers a meaningful experience that resonates with those in search of tranquility. It also ignites the magic of storytelling and shows how important it is to let the imagination run wild and rampant. It was is also a great reminder of how laughter can heal the human spirit. Read more

8 THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG ***** This imaginative re-invention of a classic fairytale offers great entertainment. It tells of a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. It is refreshing to return to the classic art of animation (in the true Disney tradition), and experience a sumptous musical score by Randy Newman.  Read more

9 MEGAMIND 3D *** Deliciously wicked fun for the whole family. Turning superhero mythology on its head, it follows in the tradition of 'Despicable Me' where the spotlight falls on a super villain who faces his worst enemy, himself. Although it has dark overtones it still packs a mean punch in 3D. When super villain Megamind (Will Ferrell) defeats his archrival Metro Man (Brad Pitt), the world should be his oyster. But instead, Megamind falls into total despair. It turns out that life without a rival is life without a point for him. So, he creates a new superhero rival, Titan (Jonah Hill). Read more

10 PLANET 51 *** The CGI animated feature film is a galactic sized alien adventure comedy that tells the story of an inverse alien invasion. Sixteen year old LEM lives on Planet 51, a white picket-fenced world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent 1950's America. One day out of the blue and millions of miles from his own planet, astronaut Captain Charles 'Chuck' Baker lands his spaceship on Planet 51 to find green-skinned inhabitants staring back at him bemused!  This is fun escapism that offers great entertainment.  Read more