Faan se trein

The producers of this film casted well-known South African actors to star in the film, resulting in perfect portrayal of the characters. The script nostalgically supports the characters with charming Afrikaans expressions. Detail especially shines in this film: props, costumes, make-up and sets were carefully chosen to support a Cape village set in 1959. The music was well composed and supported dramatic moments in the film.

Unfortunately, some of the humour will be lost in translation: some idioms and expressions will only be understood by native speakers. A traditional folk-song "Al lê die berge nog so blou" was played on a violin, furthering the feeling of nostalgia. Perhaps the composer could have incorporated song fragments into the film to unify the music. The only "thematic transformation" of "Al lê die berge nog so blou" was a representation of the song in the dorian mode.

Outstanding direction and attention to visual detail made Faan se Trein a joy to watch: strongly recommended for all members of the family.

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.

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.

Unfortunately, some of the humour will be lost in translation: some idioms and expressions will only be understood by native speakers. A traditional folk-song "Al lê die berge nog so blou" was played on a violin, furthering the feeling of nostalgia. Perhaps the composer could have incorporated song fragments into the film to unify the music. The only "thematic transformation" of "Al lê die berge nog so blou" was a representation of the song in the dorian mode.

If you enjoy art-house films that explore the darker side of the human psyche and if you enjoyed a film like "Die Wonderwerker", then you'll enjoy this film. If you are looking to be entertained, though, you might need to look a bit further.

Not a bad movie for a small town in South Africa, trying to show there different ways in the country.

The cast of the movie is really portrayed very well in each character and the cast had been outstanding.

The film is very well made, which makes it a very pleasant film to watch. The film has a mental side of it showing the lively hood of the Africaner struggle.

As the movie goes on, some of the funny bits and expressions will only be understood by the native language speakers.

This movie is well made for a South African movie, very good performances from each character and explores the inner beauty.

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.