Intensely expressive, achingly sorrowful film The main character of Oliver Hermanus’ shattering “Moffie,” set in 1981 South Africa, is a handsome, white 18-year-old. In the country’s system of apartheid, he is a member of the ruling class, but he’s no insider. Shy, timid and closeted, Nicholas va
Review: In Moffie, brutal intolerance in 80s South Africa
By JAKE COYLE Associated Press April 7, 2021 6:06pm Text size Copy shortlink:
The main character of Oliver Hermanus shattering Moffie, set in 1981 South Africa, is a handsome, white 18-year-old. In the country s system of apartheid, he is a member of the ruling class, but he s no insider.
Shy, timid and closeted, Nicholas van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer) is conscripted into the army as part of regulated military service for white males over 16. There, the film s title an Afrikaans anti-gay slur isn t directed at him but it s hurled all around an ever-present threat of ostracism and abuse. In brutal basic training, it s as if bu
Moffie a harrowing portrait of intolerance in 1980s South Africa Nicholas (Kai Luke Brummer) trains for South Africa s border war with Angola in the 80s-set drama Moffie. Courtesy of IFC Films Nicholas (Kai Luke Brummer) trains for South Africa s border war with Angola in the 80s-set drama Moffie. Courtesy of IFC Films
Moffie - ★ ★ ★ ½
The main character of Oliver Hermanus shattering Moffie, set in 1981 South Africa, is a handsome, white 18-year-old. In the country s system of apartheid, he is a member of the ruling class, but he s no insider.
Shy, timid and closeted, Nicholas van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer) is conscripted into the army as part of regulated military service for white males over 16. There, the film s title an Afrikaans anti-gay slur isn t directed at him but it s hurled all around an ever-present threat of ostracism and abuse. In brutal basic training, it s as if bullets are already flying perilously cl
Better Tagline: I am in a world of shit.
Not So Brief Plot Synopsis: In the early 1980s, all South African males age 16-60 were conscripted into the South African Defence Force to defend their country s apartheid regime against Soviet-backed Angola. One new recruit, Nicholas van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer), has to contend not only with the brutal training, but hiding the fact he s gay (derogatorily referred to as a moffie in Afrikaans) from both military command and his brothers-in-arms. Critical Analysis: There s an adage that says the best time in history to live as a woman (or person of color, or LGBTQ) is right now. The next best time is tomorrow. Those fond of pining for the good old days tend not to fall into those categories, for reasons that should be obvious.
André Carl van der Merwe s autobiographical novel is the basis for this visceral, disturbing ride
Author of the article: Chris Knight
Publishing date: Apr 09, 2021 • 10 hours ago • 3 minute read • Kai Luke Brummer stars as Nicholas van der Swart in Oliver Hermanus’ Moffie. Photo by IFC Films
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If you think
Moffie sounds like the title of an animated movie about a delightfully precocious bear cub, think again. It’s actually a nasty Afrikaans slang word whose nearest English translation is the equally abhorrent “faggot.” In 1981 South Africa, it was tossed around a lot, both as a casual playground curse and a hateful epithet.