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Movies / Upcoming / The Swenkas
The Swenkas

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The Swenkas (2004)

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63 %
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Reviews Counted:8

Fresh:5

Rotten:3

Average Rating:6.2/10

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 72 mins

Genre: Foreign Films

Theatrical Release:Nov 9, 2005 Limited

Synopsis: In post-Apartheid South Africa there's a small group of working Zulu men who every Saturday night leave their grimy overalls behind and wear their best Carducci or Pierre Cardin suits to impress... In post-Apartheid South Africa there's a small group of working Zulu men who every Saturday night leave their grimy overalls behind and wear their best Carducci or Pierre Cardin suits to impress the weekly selected judge. The men are called the Swenkas, and they have run this fashion show for so many years that no one remembers exactly when ­ or even why ­ it all began. The youngest Swenka, Sabelo, is in the most turbulent time of his life. He has to bury his father just a week before Christmas ­ and only a week before his own wedding. But Sabelo's father was also Œfatherı of the Swenkas, and now Sabelo and his fellow Swenkas find themselves in a state of incertitude. The Swenkas are the filmıs direct entry to the darkest downtown of contemporary Johannesburg, one of the most violent cities on earth. But the Swenkas are about to tell a totally different story from within that very place - a story of hope. Even though the Swenkas openly long for the days of Apartheid they havenıt given up hope for a better future. --© 7th Art Releasing [More]


Studio: 7th Art Releasing

Reviews for The Swenkas

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1 - 9 (sorted by date)
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After a while, you begin to wonder if this is a subject truly deserving of full documentary treatment.

Full Review Source: Film Journal International | comment Comment
03/01/07
David Noh
David Noh
Film Journal International

By the end of the film, it's clear Sabelo comes to understand what the Swenkas are all about, but do we?

Full Review Source: Arizona Daily Star | comment Comment
02/02/06
Phil Villarreal
Phil Villarreal
Arizona Daily Star
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: AV Club | comment Comment
12/06/05
AV Club

Ronde has clearly stumbled onto a terrific subject for a documentary, but having done that, he has little idea what to do with it.

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
11/11/05
Saul Austerlitz
Saul Austerlitz
Boxoffice Magazine

Jeppe Ronde's unusual documentary is unabashedly superficial. But it's an approach that works better than you might imagine.

Full Review Source: New York Daily News | comment Comment
11/11/05
Elizabeth Weitzman
Elizabeth Weitzman
New York Daily News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

This is a beautifully shot, wonderfully moving film, and whoever thought of setting the scenes of the Swenkas displaying their plumage to 'Happy Trails' and vintage Henry Mancini tunes is a genius.

Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
11/09/05
Ken Fox
Ken Fox
TV Guide's Movie Guide

The Swenkas are a charismatic group, and Ronde takes full advantage. You can't help but love them, especially when they go swanking. Beautiful cinematography and a sweet soundtrack with, among others, Roy Rogers and Tommy Dorsey, add to the charm.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
11/09/05
V.A. Musetto
V.A. Musetto
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The Danish filmmaker Jeppe Ronde's intriguing documentary presents a window into a strange and selfish obsession.

comment Comment
11/09/05
Jeannette Catsoulis
Jeannette Catsoulis
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Peculiar and sweet.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
11/08/05
Michael Atkinson
Michael Atkinson
Village Voice
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