“Mapantsula” (1988)
“Mapantsula” is a masterclass in storytelling for multiple reasons.
I jumped at the opportunity to get a look at the 4K 35th anniversary edition of this well-regarded 1988 South African classic ahead of its theatrical rerelease tomorrow, as I had not seen it before.
Thomas Mogotlane, who also co-wrote the film with director Oliver Schmitz, stars as Panic, a gangster (or “mapantsula”) who was coincidentally arrested during a sweep of anti-apartheid activists in South Africa.
Panic is more concerned with partying and drinking than taking a stand. The film shows him and the people around him as he changes his thoughts about the activists and realizes it is his fight, too.
While the movie itself is good, what I would like to see is a documentary or biopic about the filming of “Mapantsula.” The film was covertly shot to evade censors, and it was banned in South Africa. However, the film went on to be selected as the South African entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars after being screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival to high acclaim.
The 4K restoration is stunning, bringing the film’s beautiful cinematography to full effect. “Mapantsula” is a compelling story of the rot apartheid brought to South Africa and how it touched people in different ways.