★ 3 / 10
Poorly researched and written
phathun-97227
Although it is South African produced film, I am convinced that it was written for an American audience. The court scene does not sufficiently afford the…
Although it is South African produced film, I am convinced that it was written for an American audience. The court scene does not sufficiently afford the viewer an understanding of the court system so as to reflect on their sentiments thereto and either agree with the decision or not. Personally i find that it left viewers more confused than clear as to what exactly was the purpose thereof. I do believe that a quick flash of Terror in court, maybe the words on his state of mind and the writing the decision of the court or how it all played oat court as being narrated by his older brother to their mother would have adequately achieved more. The scene itself comical. My experience of the court scene left with the impression that there was no effort to research the South African justice system, a good example is the "unanimous". South Africa does not have a jury system and usually has one magistrate over a matter, therefore, "unanimous
Let's talk about the father and son relationship. It almost seems as though the script had the absent father conflict as a theme but forgot to play it out in the film. There was no clear process of conflict resolution for the soured father-and-son relationship. Admittedly, there were hints implying that the relationship is soured, but there are no milestones in the film that highlight the efforts to rebuild the relationship outside of the two "grand act" by the father. Viewers are not taken through the journey of the When it started? How it started? Why it continued this long?
I think the overarching disservice of the film is trying to present too many themes and then rushing to have all of them resolved in the life span of the film. Another example, is the drug addict, this theme is introduced, not context and no story to behind this. We see a drug addict, then he is not....or is he still, but just distracted by the hype of the Nedbank Cup? Why drugs? What is he running away from? Does he really live alone? Where is his family?
Another example, you ask? Let's take the pregnant girlfriend, who felt underappreciated. She is let go, then he finds out she is pregnant and goes after her. It would appear that he only went back because she is pregnant, with no attempt at a sincere apology, but throwing around the expected cliches. No effort to explore that further.
Granted, every film has major and minor themes, but it seems that none of the theme were explored enough to give depth. If the major theme is about the prodigal son, then give it depth, we know there are relationships that would need to be mended and healed and some just lost. We were not even afforded Terror's confidence when he visit's his father's grave...does he miss his dad? Is he lost without him? Does he wish he were there to bridge the gap with this son? Wah does he miss most about his dad. Terror mourns his estranged father and we, as viewers, do not even walk that experience with him.
I finished this movie feeling like an acquaintance to all the characters, because they were pretty shallow in terms relating to them as individuals.
Can anyone explain the need for the food fight at the local soccer match? And the gun? It appears to have been an attempt at comedy, but it failed. It was unrelatable. I suspected that this was an attempt to draw the Europeans crowds it is assumed would relate to brawls at soccer matches. It was just left field...off.
South Africans are brilliant story tellers and we have so many stories of our own to tell. It is a huge disservice when opportunities arise to tell out stories and we don't put our best foot forward.
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★ 1 / 10
Not a sporty film!
beso-langa
Again Netflix delivers an under par film. If you are going to cast for actors make sure the very actors you do choose can at least play football. The story is…
Again Netflix delivers an under par film. If you are going to cast for actors make sure the very actors you do choose can at least play football. The story is also a cliche, more or less a cultural clash. Jahmil is becoming comfortable with his own success. Hailing from the eastern cape he should have made this a rugby film because the three major sports in that province are boxing, rugby and cricket. Football is not that celebrated than those three. He's already made a boxing film and we know he's not South Africa's Ron Shelton because for a slick sporty film this lands on the side if flimsical. A terrible film.
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★ 10 / 10
An instant classic
unbelievableactions65
This is an easy to watch film that steers clear of the typical glitz and glamour we've come to expect on Netflix when it comes to South African content. Its…
This is an easy to watch film that steers clear of the typical glitz and glamour we've come to expect on Netflix when it comes to South African content. Its ease and straight-forward plot do not rob it of some much needed drama, however. Fantastic performances from the actors and it's always refreshing seeing some legendary footballers gracing the screen.
It wouldn't be as good without the complementary score that elevates the action just that much. If you're considering giving it a watch, absolutely go for it. There's hardly a Netflix movie that explores relationship dynamics as well as this does, especially one from the African continent.
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80%
AUDIENCE
4.8/10
235
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lol. Queenstowns is a town in SOuth Africa, not thee Queens in New York.