Platteland

Since the huge success of 'Liefling' in 2010, the South African film industry was bombarded with romantic comedies - unfortunately most of which were too predictable or too comical for my liking. A few musicals followed as well, but none as good as 'Platteland'.

'Platteland' offers stunning cinematography showcasing a beautiful part of South Africa - filmed in Vrede and Verkykerskop. The film depicts a close-knit farm community in the Platteland (Countryside). The cast is made up of professional singers. Lianie May stars as Riana. Together with her brother Wian (Vaughan Gardiner) they are fighting to keep the farm they inherited from their parents after a tragic 'accident'.

Steve Hofmeyr stars as the film's antagonist, Mike Ferreira, who is buying up farms in the area due to rich deposits on the farms. Hofmeyr is perfectly cast as a character you love to hate. Bok van Blerk stars as Dirk Pretorius, who is a bit of a chauvinistic pig, so to speak! But there's great character development...

The well written original songs provides the back story to each character. Through the music, we get to know the characters so we either root for them, or loathe them. The film offers a good dose of action, drama humor and music, with a dramatic climax.

'Platteland' is by far one of South Africa's more superior films. From the cinematography, photography, editing and performances to the soundtrack, this is a top-notch production that deserves to be showcased to the world. There's no politics interfering with the premise; it's just good old storytelling with interesting characters and an engaging storyline. Well done, Sean Else!

Would I watch it again? Yes.

This is the best Afrikaans movie I've seen so far. Somebody mentioned "a few mistakes." I didn't notice any "mistakes." The majority of the actors are singers by profession and I applaud each and every one of them. Keep in mind that finances is a problem world wide and every movie does not need huge explosions or other 'tricks' to make it work. The story line is great and so is the plot. Sean Else did a great job as a director and the acting was quite believable. There is something for everybody - great songs, beautiful scenery and action as well as a few good laughs. Just keep the young ones away since some bad language slips through here and there, but that's how it goes in real life anyway

If you simply want a movie with happy-chappy music and famous actors, then Platteland is for you.

But if you want to see a good Afrikaans movie, the first in the past 10 years!, then you should also see Platteland.

It has many mistakes, don't misunderstand. If all the songs were scrapped, then it would have been years better. These people are actors, not singers. And on every song you can hear how much their voices had to be rectified with computers. And the story has a few weak points. etc.

But this movie gives hope (Johanna!) for our industry.