Canary

The beauty in independent films is shown when the entire cast and crew believes in the project. Overall, I gave this film two thumbs up because it kept my attention engaged and there weren't dull moments involved in anyway I for one I'm looking forward to some of the other projects that this Director has in store. I mean in all honesty it is not the best but it isn't half bad either and it's definitely worth the watch. Once this movie gets to it and it does have a bit of a slow start but once you get to the plot, it really begins to all unfold in a timely manner and all the pieces begin to come together there's some great shots some really good cinematic storyline, and the film in its entirety really gets the message across.

Kudos to the cast and crew, job well done and I would definitely recommend this film to this who are junkies of the horror genre.

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

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.

"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.

I appreciated that it tackled not an easy subject matter and in a quasi-musical format too. Frankly I don't have much idea about the history of South Africa, and I, again, appreciate that it gave me a chance to have a glimpse of a chapter of its recent history.

But I can't dismiss the feeling it always shies away before it cuts deep. Whether it's the musical moment, Johan's fantasy, romance, conflict and even Johan's inner struggle for which the later part of the film does dedicated lots of time, the film flips to the next scene before it truly hits the high point. It feels almost like the whole film is under the influenced of Johan himself, who tries not to stand out and keeps his head down. For it being a musical, wouldn't it have been more fitting if there was at least one scene where music and emotion burst and flourish, even if it had to remain in a fantastical context than in reality?

For the very similar subject matter, I should say 'Moffie' was more detailed and emotionally charging experience. And I'm glad I watched Moffie before Kanarie otherwise it would have been bit more difficult to understand the historical and societal background.