Bakgat! II

Following on from 2009's BAKGAT! (WONDERFUL), an unexpected hit in South Africa, Henrk Pretorius's film can hardly be accused of subtlety.

Modeled on the American PIE series in the USA, it is a gendered comedy in which the males are obsessed with sex and strength, while the females are all "available," save for our heroine Katrien Swanepoel (Cherie van der Merwe) who remains sternly faithful to her fiancé Wimpie Koekemoer (Ivan Botha), despite the unwelcome attentions of rival Werner 'Killer' Botha (Altus Theart). Meanwhile Wimpie's male friends enjoy testosterone-filled lives.

The plot, such as it is, is a straightforward one: having established himself as an indispensable member of the team, Wimpie is offered a contract to play professional rugby in the English Premiership. After several agonizing moments debating whether to go or not, he decides to follow the career path -- until the final reel, that is, when he returns to his fiancée.

The film contains some rather obvious jokes, but is perhaps interesting in the way it represents white South Africans' passion for rugby as a symbol of nationalism, unity, and power. Wimpie is shown videotapes of old Springbok games, and Katrien tells him pointedly that@ "We South Africans don't give up hope." Later on the virtues of the Springbok team are extolled to the sound of music owing distinct origins to CHARIOTS OF FIRE (1981). The country might have changed since the removal of apartheid in the mid- Nineties, but old loyalties remain.

BAKGAT 2 with Ivan Botha, Cherie van der Merwe, Altus Theart and Neil Sharim, directed by Henk Pretorius. Rating: 6½ out of 10.

THE Afrikaans teen movie, "Bakgat" (2008), was a surprise hit at the South African box-office, and this rude, sweet, silly, funny sequel is just as entertaining, so it looks set to to be equally popular.

Following on two years after the first one, "Bakgat 2" finds Wimpie Koekemoer (Ivan Botha) now playing under 21 rugby for Unitas while his beloved Cherie van der Merwe (Katrien Swanepoel) is working as a teacher of autistic children. When Wiempie is offered a contract to play pro rugby in England, he tries to grab the opportunity. But Cherie, who loves her job, wants to stay in South Africa - and she is prepared to use all her considerable sexual charms to keep Wiempie here. What is a boy to do?

Also returning are Wiempie and Cherie's friends. Japie (Neil Sharim) is still in love with Liezl (Lelia Etsebeth), but their budding sex life is hampered by his "small" problem. Fanie (Andrew Thompson) also has size issues. But in his case, the problem is the size of Christie's chubby tummy (Ciske Kruger). Then there is Wiempie's muscular old nemesis, Werner "Killer" Botha (Altus Theart ), who joins Unitas and threatens Wiempie's place in the rugby team. And yes, Basjan (Ian Roberts) is back to. But the former ace coach has stopped drinking brandy and coke, built a jacuzzi on his farm and discovered the joys of dagga (marijuana) and nubile young ladies.

The "Bakgat" movies - which were inspired by the "American Pie" franchise, are not subtle, and they are very white and very Afrikaans. But they are "lekker" funny, come with English subtitles for those who don't understand the "taal" and certainly make me feel nostalgic for my youth. There is some fabulous music on the soundtrack too. So, if you enjoyed the first movie, are looking for a good local laugh or just want to know what a "Satan sakkie" is, do not miss "Bakgat 2". GRANT AUBIN.