Canary

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.

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

"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.

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.

This movie takes us back to the bad old days of the early 80s when being gay filled boys with terror and self loathing. Not very promising as story lines go. What makes it watchable is the setting, which is in a christian choir group in the South African army in the apartheid era. The teenage boys are Bible carrying innocents, constantly bullied by typically horrible army sergeant. They tour the country, bringing solace and cheer to families whose sons are in the army. They're hosted by local families wherever they go, which gives the film a chance to present various facets of South African society. Johan, the main protagonist is redeemed by the music of Culture Club, but he agonises over the fact that Boy George doesn't come out as gay, though his friend Wolfgang assures him he is! Johan and Wolfgang spend nights together but go no further than kissing. And so it goes, on and on.