Showmax is the streaming service that’s home to the latest and greatest movies out of South Africa, and here’s our pick of three very different films to get your 2020 off to the best start, no matter where you live or where you’re from in Mzansi.
Sew The Winter To My Skin (2018)
Sew The Winter To My Skin is an iconic adventure drama, reminiscent of the Coen brothers for its style, whimsy and soundtrack.
Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor is the enduring philosophy of Robin Hood. This selfless and sacrificial bent is the stuff of heroes, something the world needs more of in 2020.
In Sew The Winter To My Skin, writer-director Jahmil XT Quebeka explores a similar hero’s journey against a racially charged and violent 1950s portrait of South Africa. Taken from a liberal journalist’s perspective, the story recounts the black rebel’s daring feats in the face of the extreme Afrikaner organisation, Ossewabrandwag.
Ezra Mabengeza plays John Kepe, the handsome outlaw whose sense of humour and athleticism make him an equal-opposite to the pro-German group’s leader, Botha, played with venom by Peter Kurth.
Sew The Winter To My Skin is an iconic, vivid and jaw-droppingly beautiful adventure drama, reminiscent of the Coen brothers for its style, whimsy and soundtrack. Starting with an intense and visceral township clash with police, the mood lightens as the sparsely scripted story comes to focus on the folk legend.
Deep End (2018)
Essentially Bend It Like Beckham meets Blue Crush, this fun movie is set against sunny Durban’s Golden Mile.
Being alone with yourself, at one with nature and waiting for the perfect wave… learning to surf could be your most important goal in 2020. Deep End tells the story of Suni, a young Indian girl who is trying to carve her own wave. Restrained by her father’s wishes and compelled by her love for the ocean, she takes lessons from a pro surfer named Corey.
Essentially Bend It Like Beckham meets Blue Crush, this fun movie is set against sunny Durban’s Golden Mile. Starring the go-getting Carishma Basday as Suni, the story unfolds in a pleasing albeit predictable way as love, life and family come into play. She’s supported by Greg Kriek as surfer dude Corey, with the sparkling Suraya Rose-Santos as her bestie.
Deep End grapples with tradition, loyalty, love, sexism and racism, stacking the odds against our headstrong lead who does it her way. By extension, surfing serves as a metaphor for Suni’s emotional growth as she becomes a confident and independent young woman.
Love Lives Here (2018)
A sexy and modern love story with a sharp soundtrack and many amusing, over-the-top characters.
“Take control of your life. Take control of your happiness.” These words seem like good relationship goals going into 2020. This raunchy Bridget Jones-style romance drama deals with young Zinhle, who is learning the hard way.
After catching her longtime boyfriend cheating on her, Zinhle leans on her girlfriends for support before launching into a budding romance with a photographer. Just when everything seems to be working beautifully, she’s confronted with some deal-breaking truths.
Set in Kwazulu-Natal, Love Lives Here showcases the province’s picturesque beachfront and holiday vibrations. Gliding over the city’s sights, the sleek feel is carried into the rest of the film as we’re introduced to the optimistic and trusting Zinhle.
Thando Thabethe is a charming and unassuming lead actress, who’s supported by the handsome Lungile Radu as the smooth-talking Nathi. Enjoying good chemistry, the two headline a sexy and modern love story with a sharp soundtrack and many amusing, over-the-top characters.
More local gold
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