Canary

This is one of those rare gems of cinema that you don't encounter very often. I cried throughout the film. Its inedible.

When a bird scares from you, you can feel the uneasiness... the fear surround its body and sound to protect itself. This movie is all about an unrest soul which has doubt about its identity. You may watch a lot of movie about self-discovering but this is a masterpiece. I am not only talking about the script or dialogue but the way that director shows contrast is clever. The one shot technique helps to bring all the dilemma and confusion with great acting but also I love how he exposes the audience by bringing them into the scene by leading actor's great look.

This movie can explain you how a gay struggling in a racist army. However while world moves apart you can only find the creation of a new world surrounded by beautiful songs, Canary's song.

"Before soon he is drafted, but because of his music talent, he joins the SADF Choir and Concert group, known as the 'Canaries', hence the title in Afrikaans. What happens after is a rite-of-passage that eventually makes him ascertain and come to terms with his sexuality, the emotional spectrum ranges from confusion, struggle, anguish to defiance, ebullience and solidarity, interspersed with beatific choir melodies and other philharmonic interludes."

read my full review on my blog: Cinema Omnivore, thanks.

The only problem with this movie is that the English subtitles will never do justice to the expressive dialogue in the Afrikaans language and the culture of the Afrikaans dominated defense force of the time. A rare insight into the internal dilemma of a young man, from a small town with big city ideas, forced into a situation (conscription to the armed forces) and finding that he is not alone.

I appreciated that it tackled not an easy subject matter and in a quasi-musical format too. Frankly I don't have much idea about the history of South Africa, and I, again, appreciate that it gave me a chance to have a glimpse of a chapter of its recent history.

But I can't dismiss the feeling it always shies away before it cuts deep. Whether it's the musical moment, Johan's fantasy, romance, conflict and even Johan's inner struggle for which the later part of the film does dedicated lots of time, the film flips to the next scene before it truly hits the high point. It feels almost like the whole film is under the influenced of Johan himself, who tries not to stand out and keeps his head down. For it being a musical, wouldn't it have been more fitting if there was at least one scene where music and emotion burst and flourish, even if it had to remain in a fantastical context than in reality?

For the very similar subject matter, I should say 'Moffie' was more detailed and emotionally charging experience. And I'm glad I watched Moffie before Kanarie otherwise it would have been bit more difficult to understand the historical and societal background.