After a while, you begin to wonder if this is a subject truly deserving of full documentary treatment.
The Swenkas (2004)
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Reviews Counted:8
Fresh:5
Rotten:3
Average Rating:6.2/10
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 fatherı 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
By the end of the film, it's clear Sabelo comes to understand what the Swenkas are all about, but do we?
Ronde has clearly stumbled onto a terrific subject for a documentary, but having done that, he has little idea what to do with it.
Jeppe Ronde's unusual documentary is unabashedly superficial. But it's an approach that works better than you might imagine.
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.
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.
The Danish filmmaker Jeppe Ronde's intriguing documentary presents a window into a strange and selfish obsession.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| | Lourdes | 2/17 |
| | Celine: Through the Ey… | 2/17 |
| | Shutter Island | 2/19 |
| | Blood Done Sign My Name | 2/19 |
| | Takers | 2/19 |
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