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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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splat

David Noh

After a while, you begin to wonder if this is a subject truly deserving of full documentary treatment.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Mar., 01 2007 03:35 AM

Film Journal International

splat
2.5/4

Phil Villarreal

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: | comment Comment | Feb., 02 2006 06:59 AM

Arizona Daily Star

N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 06 2005 07:46 PM

AV Club

splat
2/5

Saul Austerlitz

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: | comment Comment | Nov., 11 2005 05:30 PM

Boxoffice Magazine

tomato
2.5/4

Elizabeth Weitzman

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

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 11 2005 02:13 PM

New York Daily News

tomato
3.5/4

Ken Fox

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: | comment Comment | Nov., 09 2005 06:37 PM

TV Guide's Movie Guide

tomato
3/4

V.A. Musetto

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: | comment Comment | Nov., 09 2005 06:36 PM

New York Post

tomato
3.5/5

Jeannette Catsoulis

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

comment Comment | Nov., 09 2005 06:35 PM

New York Times

tomato

Michael Atkinson

Peculiar and sweet.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 08 2005 04:25 PM

Village Voice

 
 
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