Hansie: A True Story

This movie really refreshed my memory about what Hansie Cronje exactly went through. Frans Cronje, Hansie's brother was the director for this film and that attracted me with the story coming from someone who could tell it more accurately and correctly than most.

The acting and production is South African quality, so don't expect miracles in that department. I found the movie to tell a accurate story of Hansie's life, and found it to be incredibly sad at the end.

This movie is not for everyone , but if you are a passionate South African cricket supporter such as myself , well then I recommend this movie. 7/10

HANSIE with Frans Rautenbach, Sarah Thompson, Brandon Auret, David Sherwood, Eric Nobbs and Sybel Coetzee, directed by Regardt van den Bergh . Rating: 3/10.

BORN into a priviliged white world and graced with a mercurial talent for cricket, the late Hansie Cronje rose to great heights, but a combination of greed, boredom and arrogance led to him accepting bribes from bookmakers while serving as South Africa's test cricket captain. When he was caught out, Cronje denied his crimes for a while - and received the full support of Dr Ali Bacher and the Minister of Sport. But it was obvious the millionaire cricketer was lying, and he quickly changed his story. Soon he was weeping before the King Commission and telling how "a love of money" had led him into temptation. From here we see Cronje struggling with guilt and angst, while his faithful wife Bertha (played by America actress Sarah Thompson, who's beautiful but battles to do a South African accent) offers him unconditional love and support. Soon it becomes clear that while the Devil made him do it, the Lord (with a little help from Peter Pollock) will save the day. "Hansie", scripted by Frans Conje (Hansie's brother), is no doubt well-intentioned, but not only is it sentimental, overlong and cliché-strewn, it teaches us nothing we don't already know, and offers absolutely no piercing insights into the title character. A fascinating film could have been made about Hansie Cronje, but this isn't it. Perhaps someone impartial should try making an in-depth television documentary about the man. However, fans of director Regard van den Bergh's previous Christian film, "Faith Like Potatoes" (which also starred Rautenbach) and Hansie loyalists might like this expensive local movie (it cost about R42 million), which hammers away with its message about the prodigal son and forgiveness. And Rautenbach's performance isn't bad. As a fanatical cricket lover, Hansie Cronje broke my heart, and I forgave him(even though he didn't have to got jail or return the money and gifts he received). Yet I find it harder to forgive this film, which steals shots shamelessly from "Chariots of Fire", "Rocky" and "Dead Poets Society", and even pinches a line of dialogue from "Trainspotting". "Hansie" isn't recommended to genuine cricket lovers and doesn't have the depth to intruige sophisticated cinema-goers, but it will do reasonably well in South Africa. Overseas prospects appear decidedly limited, and I can tell you now that former England-captain-turned-ace journalist Mike Atherton certainly won't be impressed.

Having grown up in SA during the Hansie golden years, it was bitter sweet to watch and brought back wonderful memories BUT, for the life of me, the accent from Hansie's wife, as played by Sarah Thompson, an American, was cringe worthy to be polite. Swapping between Eastern European, British and other butchery, it was distracting and off-putting. Sorry, should have gone with an Afrikaans actors of you wanted accuracy.

The school and township inclusions in the film were a nice touch. Perhaps more original footage could have been used rather than ultra modern sky cam footage which isn't accurate of cricket in the late 90s to early 2000s.

Go in with low expectations at the best. An average 4/10 IMO.

Normally I'm quite critical of movies. I knew "Hansie" wouldn't be amazing and expected it to be low-budget as I knew it was a Christian movie. I was drawn to watch it because as an Australian I love cricket and admired Cronje, and (like one of the other reviewers on this board) I was interested in the South African psyche at the time.

Firstly I was quite surprised to find that the cinematography was really good. I was impressed with the production and could see that a fair bit of money had been invested into the movie. The acting wasn't standout but I expected worse - and it was good enough not for me to notice it during the film.

I have to admit I couldn't figure out some of the accents - especially Bertha (I thought she must have been English, not Safi) and some of the older men portrayed seemed to have English accents as well (the pastor, Justice King, etc).

While I know there are heaps in India, there aren't that many English-language movies about cricket - so I enjoyed watching the portrayal of famous cricket stars and I especially enjoyed the re-enactment of the last over of the 1999 World Cup Semi-final in which Alan Donald was run out. I remember watching that on live TV with mates and expecting Australia to lose the match and then the unthinkable happened. Australia went on to win the World Cup and have also won the last two (2003 and 2007). It was a pivotal point for our team and it was refreshing to see the same event from a South African point of view.

I'm giving the movie 7 out of 10 because I actually enjoyed it - and when that happens I have to rate a movie. It was actually quite sad. Not being from South Africa myself, it was interesting to see aspects of South African life that's similar to things here in Oz (e.g. backyard cricket and BBQs, sport and outdoor lifestyle).

As an Indian kid growing up in 90's i have fague memories of this dominating South African cricket team consisting of some modern greats. Jonty, Donald, Zulu, Pollock, Cullinan, Gibbs, Gary, Mc millan brothers to name a few. But the person i really admired as a cricketer in those days was this smart, cool headed captain naming Hansie Cronje. When all this match fixing saga came up i was very upset and deep down in my heart i was praying that Hansie should deny all those allegations. But my worst fear came true when Hansie confessed everything in front of the whole world in the King's commission. Well coming to the film.. Franc did a wonderful job by letting the world know what had really happened with Hansie. The film was scene to scene enactment what must have really happened in Hansie's life. And to be honest it was difficult to sit through it coz Hansie did let down his fans, his colleagues and most importantly his nation. But are we the right person to judge him? There are some people in this world whom we want to hate, but just can't. Hansie was one of them. RIP bro. We'll always love you. 7 out of 10.