Inxeba is riveting and valiant
We haven’t had a film that has caused as much controversy in South Africa as feature film, Inxeba (The Wound), since Yizo Yizo.
The film trended multiple times after the trailer and all types of marketing materials were released. The film also won numerous accolades (and is leading in the upcoming SAFTAs), however, a vast majority was unhappy — something which resulted in protests and calls for a ban of the film.
A post shared by Inxeba | The Wound (@inxeba_the_wound) on Feb 2, 2018 at 7:10am PST
Director, John Trengove created the type of movie that will definitely tug on your heartstrings when you watch it. The plot is as the title suggests, about the wounds that come with the tradition of the rite of passage.
The tradition has, for centuries, been a sacred ritual and initiates were never allowed to speak of what happens in the mountains. While there were local dramas that attempted to bring the topic on the table, Inxeba gives the world a deeper look into the culture, tackling the angle of love and sexuality and the roles they play in the tradition.
Inxeba The Wound
Xolani (Nakhane Touré) and Vija’s (Bongile Mantsai) relationship will resonate with each of the audience members. From the romantic moments to the typical relationship fights and arguments over small (and sometimes big) issues. Xolani and Vija met years ago when they went through their own initiation, and created a bond which led to their relationship. And because the time at the bushes is the only time they get to meet, since they stay far from each other, they have been coming here every year since they met to spend time together. People around them seem know they have a history and are friends but their sexual relationship isn’t known by their peers.
The two share the type of bond that soul mates share, and watching how their relationship evolves, from what looks like just a shag to them reaching intwith their fights, intimacy and also denial in the movie leaves one with mixed emotions. John managed to create the type of film that isn’t easy to preempt but instead leaves us to ruminate.
One of the stand out performers of the movie is newcomer actor Niza Jay Ncoyini, who plays the role of Kwanda, an unapologetic and outspoken city boy who has come to the mountain because of his father. Kwanda was forced by his father to come for the initiation and he doesn’t make that a secret. At one point during a ritual where the initiates introduce themselves Kwanda flat-out refuses to take part, showing his dislike of the tradition.
Kwanda’s sharp tongue provided the comic relief the movie needed. His comments were not only funny but also thought provoking.
The cinematography of the movie captures the beauty of the Eastern Cape exquisitely, as much as it happens in the bushes mostly,
the shots of the waterfalls or the landscapes show the province’s beauty.
The movie also highlight the reality of homophobia and how in some parts of South Africa, acceptance is a far cry.
The one
thing that was disappointing about the movie was it’s ending, when we felt Kwanda had finally gotten through to Xolani and made him accept his sexuality, Xolani goes on and turns on Kwanda.