Faan se trein

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.

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.

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.

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.

This film is very well made. It has excellent cinematography and has very good performances by some of the most talented South African actors. I believe the story is true to its time and setting with typical characters for a small South African town at the time.

It is a deep story about honest innocence opposed to people wearing masks. It is about loyalty, stereotypes, prejudice, community, acceptance, priorities and redemption.

All of this does not make it a pleasant film to watch, though. The film explores the beauty and the dark side in people and raises difficult questions about what we base our decisions on.

Overall I found this a very depressing film that wallows in an "Afrikaner struggle" mentality. The only emotional appeal that the film has is that it tries very hard to evoke pity from the viewer - pity for the prejudices that Faan faces as a handicapped person and pity for his father who, as a struggling manual laborer is up against the threat of mechanization. Unfortunately I believe that pity serves rather badly as the sole golden thread that's supposed to keep me glued to a movie screen.

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.