Faan se trein

This is the result of what you get from an excellent script, matched with excellent cinematography, excellent actors and excellent directing. You get an excellent movie. I cannot find any error on any level in this film. It's just plain excellent. I am a white Afrikaans speaking person, who grew up surrounded by farmers, and coming from several generations of farmers, I can confirm that this is absolutely authentic. Sure, it's pretty depressing at some stages, but life such is life. It's got enough of all aspects, and keeps you wondering till the end, with the plot never blurting itself out or being too obvious. I was emotionally drawn into this film, and the characters were very real for me.

I aspire to make films like this one day, with this level of excellence. I highly recommend this film.

While there's an original plot, the overacting and hammering of religious themes weighs thin mid way through. The cinematography is superb, and the soundtrack, while not perfect, isn't too distracting. The dialogue is simple bordering on trite/insulting at times. There are tender touching moments here, and Faan's character is a study and a delight. Sadly the majority of the cast are hampered by idiotic scenes. Even the petty vindictiveness of the town folk seems disingenuous because of the ham fisted directing. Too many times people just do and say things too far beyond the realm of possibility. Too bad cuz this one had potential.

This film tells the story of a small community in a drought stricken area. Not too uncommon for South Africa. Its an inspirational story about survival, reaching your dreams and not giving up no matter what!

Faan might offend some folks, but he is so true to character and so honest about himself it doesn't matter.

The cinematography and music in this film contributes to the feeling and mood of the film, creates the same expectation as the tanks in Saving Private Ryan.

If you see one foreign film (to the folks outside South Africa) make sure you watch this spellbinding story. Oh and don't forget your tissues...

This film for me and wife was a little masterpiece and am surprised that it has not received more international attention or more local acclaim.

One reviewer said that the portrayal of a simple minded person in a small Afrikaans community would cause offence, they could not be more wrong since the portrayal was superbly executed (An extremely difficult role that deserved an award), ably backed up by an excellent cast that capture this small drought ridden Afrikaans town with complete aplomb.

I will not reveal the story, other than to say that that it is a little gem brilliantly directed, superb cinematography and the use of the music (Excellent) is so well done that it enhances the quality of the film. So many films the use of music is excessive and detracts from the film but not here, congratulations to all involved.

My wife and i thoroughly enjoyed 'Die Wonderweker,based on the life of Eugene Marais, but this film is even better. There is no doubt in my mind that Afrikaans films can be up their with the best international ones. Yes, there is a lot of mediocre to bad ones made, but that also applies to overseas ones as served up in copious quantities on television, this one being an extremely welcome exception.

Willie Esterhuizen, known for slapstick comedy, is brilliant in a serious role. The entire cast is great and very convincing, but special mention has to go to Willie Esterhuizen and Nicola Hanekom. This is an all-round top notch production and also one of the most awarded Afrikaans films of all time.