Rent Moffie (2020)
3.4 of 5 from 177 ratings
1h 42min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
To be a "moffie" is to be weak, effeminate, illegal. The year is 1981 and South Africa's white minority government is embroiled in a conflict on the Angolan border. Like all white men over the age of 16, Nicholas Van der Swart (Kai Luke Brummer) must complete two years of compulsory military service to defend the Apartheid regime. But that's not the only danger Nicholas faces. He must survive the brutality of the army culture itself, proudly hardened and homophobic - something that becomes even more difficult when a connection is sparked between him and a fellow recruit. From the producer of 'Ida' and co-written and directed by one of South Africa's greatest emerging auteurs, Oliver Hermanus, 'Moffie' is a beautifully captured story of a man's struggle to find the beauty in himself in one of the ugliest times in contemporary history. - Actors:
- Kai Luke Brummer, Ryan de Villiers, Matthew Vey, Stefan Vermaak, Hilton Pelser, Wynand Ferreira, Hendrik Nieuwoudt, Shaun Chad Smit, Rikus Terblanche, Matt Ashwell, Ludwig Baxter, Philippa Berrington-Blew, Dijan Botha, Mitchell Christy, Jan Combrink, Remano De Beer, Jane de Wet, Mark Elderkin, Jordy Gurr, Barbara-Marié Immelman
- Directors:
- Oliver Hermanus
- Producers:
- Eric Abraham, Jack Sidey
- Writers:
- Oliver Hermanus, Jack Sidey
- Others:
- Jack Sidey (Writer/Producer)
- Studio:
- Curzon / Artificial Eye
- Genres:
- Action & Adventure, Drama, Lesbian & Gay, Romance
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 20/07/2020
- Run Time:
- 104 minutes
- Languages:
- Afrikaans DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Afrikaans LPCM Stereo, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, English LPCM Stereo
- Subtitles:
- English
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Full Screen 1.37:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- BLU-RAY Regions:
- B
- Bonus:
- Behind the Scenes with Cast
- Behind the Title 'Moffie'
- Behind the Scene at Boot Camp
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Reviews (4) of Moffie
Enjoyable, interesting film about South Africa in 1981 - Moffie review by PV
I enjoyed this film, and found it interesting - it is rare to see Afrikaans characters in movies, other than cartoon baddies in so many films about the Apartheid years of South Africa - the richest country in Africa arguably specifically because that system ran it well and meant the country avoided communism and tribal wars and corruption of so many basket case African countries.
I found the extras fascinating - so watch those on the DVD. The boot camp preparation for these actors looks painful!
I generally enjoyed the story, which was well cast and well acted. Whether the gay love story strand is believable or not is another matter, though the film is based on autobiographical books.
Many of the characters certainly ring true to any tale of army life.
So 4 stars. And good to watch this with the documentary 'Searching for Sugarman' about a US singer huge in South Africa at this time, who then vanished into obscurity, as the main theme song is a cover of his biggest hit I WONDER.
4 out of 6 members found this review helpful.
Brutal, Unrealistic and Surreal - Moffie review by WH
Its a hard watch. In the South African army in 1981 it depicts constant homophobia, racism and unrelenting sadistic bullying. It even shows two recruits kissing in the bunk house. Can you imagine that REALLY happening in the South African army in 1981??? Way over the top to my mind. Mentally challenging to watch and we thought ultimately unsatisfying. A fictitious representation though - to my mind- just to try to send a message. Oliver Hermanus has lost it with this one. Can't give it more than two stars.
2 out of 8 members found this review helpful.
It is how it was - Moffie review by DD
My friend went through this in real life and he was very impressed with the accuracy of the treatment.
Good story, well told, avoiding usual cliches. Powerful drama giving a more layered picture of the South Africa that existed pre 1994.
1 out of 2 members found this review helpful.