impactacademy Reviews

Bakgat! (2008)

"Bakgat!: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Comedy About High School Rugby and Finding Yourself"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Bakgat!" is a 2008 South African comedy film directed by Henk Pretorius. The movie tells the story of Wimpie Koekemoer, the biggest geek in school who dreams of being popular. His dream could unexpectedly become a reality when the most popular girl in school, Katrien Swanepoel, is dumped by first-team rugby center Werner 'Killer' Botha. Katrien and her friends Liezl and Christie decide to give Werner a taste of his own medicine by planning to make Wimpie the new first team center. Rugby is a lot harder than Karien and Wimpie anticipated, and Wimpie almost gives up. Fortunately, his unexpected popularity leads to friendship with school rascals Japie and Fanie. The mischievous duo unknowingly convince Wimpie to keep playing rugby although they're much more interested in pajama parties with girls. Bakgat is finding yourself, despite high school.

The movie is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that celebrates the importance of friendship, perseverance, and finding oneself. The pace of the movie is fast, and the audience is kept engaged throughout. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Ivan Botha delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Bakgat!" is a must-see film that will leave you laughing and entertained. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Die Windpomp (2014)

"Die Windpomp: A Heartwarming and Quirky Fantasy Love Story About the Joys of Growing Old"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Die Windpomp" is a 2014 South African romantic comedy film directed by Etienne Fourie. The movie tells the story of Hendri, a 20-year-old boy who arrives on the doorstep of his senile, reclusive grandfather in a retirement village. His world is soon infested by garden ornaments, bingo nights, and odd "old ballie" behavior. While sneaking a late-night cigarette, Hendri follows five silhouetted figures into the forest on the outskirts of the small town and finds more than he expected.

The movie is a heartwarming and quirky fantasy love story that celebrates the joys of growing old. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Leandie du Randt delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Die Windpomp" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Konfetti (2014)

A Heartwarming and Emotional Drama About Love, Family, and the Power of Perseverance

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Konfetti" is a 2014 South African romantic comedy film directed by Zaheer Goodman-Bhyat. The movie tells the story of Jean and Sherryl, a couple from different cultural backgrounds who are getting married. Their families are tense, and their best man Lukas has been on a drinking spree and forgotten to confirm the band. The movie explores the challenges of navigating love, family, and identity in a diverse and multicultural society.

The movie is a heartwarming and emotional drama that celebrates the power of perseverance. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Casey B. Dolan delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Konfetti" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Mafrika (2008 Video)

"Mafrika: A Heartfelt and Adventurous Road Trip Comedy About Love, Family, and Identity"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Mafrika" is a 2008 South African comedy film directed by Paul Ruven. The movie tells the story of Frank Meutstege, a commercials producer who is invited as a guest of honor at an African gala event. He meets a teenage girl named Sunny, who claims to be his daughter. Frank suspects blackmail, but apparently, the girl has a legally registered status. If her allegation is true, Frank's upcoming marriage and his impeccable reputation would be in serious danger. He has no other choice than to file a lawsuit against Sunny to prove her wrong. Together, they travel to the little village where the 'Help Malinda' commercial was recorded. Due to a power failure, however, all flights are canceled, so they have to follow an improvised route through an inhospitable African region, where danger is lurking everywhere. Nevertheless, Frank and Sunny grow together during their adventurous road trip, that ends where Frank once fell in love with the main character in the Africa commercial, Malinda. Here, the truth is revealed.

The movie is a heartfelt and adventurous road trip comedy that celebrates the importance of love, family, and identity. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Norman Anstey delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Mafrika" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

District 9 (2009)

"District 9: A Gripping and Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Thriller About the Human Cost of Apartheid"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"District 9" is a 2009 South African science fiction thriller directed by Neill Blomkamp. The movie tells the story of an extraterrestrial race that is forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth. The aliens are confined and exploited in squalor in a militarized ghetto called District 9. The movie explores the human cost of apartheid and the challenges of rebuilding a nation after years of violence and oppression.

The movie is a gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. The pace of the movie is fast, and the audience is kept engaged throughout. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Sharlto Copley delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "District 9" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Tell Me Sweet Something (2015)

"Tell Me Sweet Something: A Heartwarming and Romantic Comedy About Love, Life, and the Power of Books"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Tell Me Sweet Something" is a 2015 South African romantic comedy film directed by Akin Omotoso. The movie tells the story of Moratiwa, an aspiring writer who owns and runs a bookstore in the heart of Johannesburg. The bookstore, like her love life, is not experiencing much success. This all changes when she meets and falls in love with the unlikeliest candidate, Nat, a male model who has never read a book in his life.

The movie is a heartwarming and romantic comedy that celebrates the power of books and the importance of following your dreams. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Nomzamo Mbatha delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Tell Me Sweet Something" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Skeem Saam (2011– )

"Skeem: A Hilarious and Entertaining Comedy About Two Wannabe Gangsters on the Run"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Skeem" is a 2011 South African crime-comedy movie directed by Tim Greene. The movie tells the story of two wannabe gangsters, Vista and Richie Rich, who are forced to spend the night at a creepy old holiday resort. They run into trouble when their box of cash splits open, spilling a million bucks in eye-catching bundles all over the driveway. The movie explores the duo's journey as they try to escape the clutches of the law and their own stupidity.

The movie is a hilarious and entertaining comedy that celebrates the absurdity of life. The pace of the movie is fast, and the audience is kept engaged throughout. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Wandile Molebatsi delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Skeem" is a must-see film that will leave you laughing and entertained. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Keeping Up with the Kandasamys (2017)

"Keeping Up with the Kandasamys: A Heartwarming and Hilarious Comedy About Family, Friendship, and Love"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Keeping Up with the Kandasamys" is a 2017 South African comedy film directed by Jayan Moodley. The movie tells the story of two matriarchal rivals of neighboring families, whose young adult children become romantically involved. The movie explores the challenges of navigating family, friendship, and love in a close-knit Indian community in South Africa.

The movie is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy that celebrates the importance of family, friendship, and love. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Jailoshini Naidoo delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Keeping Up with the Kandasamys" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all. V vvvvfffff.

The Bang Bang Club (2010)

"The Bang Bang Club: A Gripping and Thought-Provoking Drama About the Power of Photojournalism"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"The Bang Bang Club" is a 2010 South African-Canadian drama film directed by Steven Silver. The movie tells the story of four photojournalists who covered the final days of apartheid in South Africa. The photographers, Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter, Ken Oosterbroek, and João Silva, risked their lives to capture the brutality of the conflict and the human cost of the struggle for freedom.

The movie is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that celebrates the power of photojournalism. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Ryan Phillippe delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "The Bang Bang Club" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Long Night's Journey Into Day (2000)

"Long Night's Journey Into Day: A Powerful and Thought-Provoking Documentary About South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Long Night's Journey Into Day" is a 2000 documentary film directed by Frances Reid and Deborah Hoffmann. The movie tells the story of four cases that were heard by South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in the late 1990s. The TRC was established to investigate human rights abuses during apartheid and to promote national unity and reconciliation. The movie explores the personal stories of the victims and perpetrators of apartheid and the challenges of rebuilding a nation after years of violence and oppression.

The movie is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the interviews with the cast are exceptional. The movie provides a unique perspective on the TRC and the challenges of reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.

Overall, "Long Night's Journey Into Day" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

The Gods Must Be Crazy II (1989)

"The Gods Must Be Crazy II: A Hilarious and Heartwarming Comedy About the Joys and Perils of Cultural Exchange"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"The Gods Must Be Crazy II" is a 1989 South African comedy film directed by Jamie Uys. The movie tells the story of Xixo, a San hunter-gatherer who embarks on a journey to find his lost children. Along the way, he encounters a group of bumbling scientists, a pair of inept soldiers, and a beautiful schoolteacher. As they all travel together, they learn about each other's cultures and discover the joys and perils of cultural exchange.

The movie is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that celebrates the diversity of human experience. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. N!xau delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "The Gods Must Be Crazy II" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Bunny Chow: Know Thyself (2006)

"Bunny Chow: Know Thyself - A Hilarious and Heartfelt Road-Trip Comedy About South Africa's New Generation"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Bunny Chow: Know Thyself" is a 2006 South African movie directed by John Barker. The movie tells the story of three comedians and a weird guy named Cope who embark on a raucous weekend journey to Oppikoppi, South Africa's biggest rock festival. The guys slip out of the city for a few dusty and increasingly absurd days with hopes of mass debauchery, drugs, rampant sex, true love, and conquering the comedy stages, but they get a bit more than they bargained for.

The movie is a hilarious and heartfelt road-trip comedy about South Africa's new generation. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. David Kibuuka delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Bunny Chow: Know Thyself" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Nothing for Mahala (2013)

"Nothing for Mahala: A Sophisticated and Life-Affirming Human Comedy About Growing Old Gracefully"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Nothing for Mahala" is a 2013 South African movie directed by Rolie Nikiwe. The movie tells the story of Axe Gumede, an up-and-coming property agent who is determined to make his mark, one Randela and flashy car at a time. When his lavish lifestyle lands him in trouble, he is forced to confront his past and the people he has hurt along the way.

The movie is a sophisticated and illuminating human comedy about growing old gracefully, staying true to yourself as a human being, and keeping promises. The pace of the movie is slow, but it gives the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Thapelo Mokoena delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

Overall, "Nothing for Mahala" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Stuur groete aan Mannetjies Roux (2013)

"Stuur Groete aan Mannetjies Roux: A Slow-Paced Drama About the Poisonous Effects of Secrets on Relationships"

[10/10 · 10 January 2024]

"Stuur Groete aan Mannetjies Roux" is a 2013 Afrikaans movie directed by Paul Eilers. The movie tells the story of a teenage girl named Engela who visits her uncle Frans and aunt Koba's Karoo farm during the school holidays. A journey of discovery starts - she has to find out who she really is and where she comes from. Three visitors in one week change her life forever and her uncle's obsession with the rugby try by Mannetjies Roux is at last explained.

The movie is a slow-paced drama about the poisonous effects secrets have on relationships, soaking in at the same time the timelessness of its landscapes in the Karoo. The pace mimics this, in a good way, giving the plot and the audience enough time to fully realize the implications of the eventual revelations. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Ian Roberts and Anna-Mart van der Merwe are old hands in the SA movie business, and this experience shows, with a powerful closing performance from Van der Merwe. They had the right mix of love and jealousy which baked as hard as the Karoo sun. Alongside these two pros, the side characters were also vivid, interesting and played a role in the plotline.

Overall, "Stuur Groete aan Mannetjies Roux" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all.

Tsotsi (2005)

"Tsotsi: A Powerful and Emotional Portrayal of Life in South Africa's Townships"

[10/10 · 9 January 2024]

"Tsotsi" is a 2005 South African film directed by Gavin Hood. The movie follows the story of a young gangster named Tsotsi, who lives in the slums of Johannesburg. After a violent mugging, Tsotsi discovers a baby in the backseat of a car he has stolen. The film explores Tsotsi's journey as he tries to care for the baby and come to terms with his violent past.

The film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of life in the townships of South Africa. The cinematography is stunning, and the performances by the cast are exceptional. Presley Chweneyagae, who plays Tsotsi, delivers a nuanced and complex performance that captures the character's inner turmoil and transformation.

The film's themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection are universal and resonate with audiences around the world. "Tsotsi" is a must-see film that will leave you moved and inspired.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys powerful and thought-provoking cinema. It is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen and appreciated by all..