Undescribable Perfection

A different way of telling a story

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

I am going to be visiting South Africa in a few weeks, so I am trying to find as many films from the country as I can--sort of to get me in the mood. Unfortunately, there just aren't that many films from this country available here in the US. Fortunately, "Cape of Good Hope" is not just set in South Africa, but it's filmed in Cape Town--one of the places I will be visiting. And, fortunately, it's not a film about apartheid--as few films about South Africa available from Netflix are about the post-apartheid era.The film centers on the lives of several people associated with an animal shelter. All of them seem to have some problems in their lives--some a lot more serious than others. And, the cast is made up of many ethnicities and backgrounds--much like South Africa itself.Jean-Claude is an immigrant from the Congo. He was an astronomy professor before being forced to leave due to the war. He's got a terrific smile and seems quite kind. He falls for a single-mother whose own mother is very prejudiced--and wants her to marry the preacher and not 'some foreigner'.Kate is a beautiful and sweet young lady. However, she is an idiot--picking a nasty MARRIED man. She has a lot going for herself--except for self-confidence and the ability to pick men. Plus, she's afraid to have a healthy relationship. She knows a vet who is single--his wife passed away some time ago. Could there be a love connection? Or, will her own past history keep her from making smart choices? Sharifa is a Muslim lady who is having infertility issues with her husband. It's very awkward for them but they really would love kids.All in all, a very interesting story. I liked how the characters' stories often interrelated and the film showed a lot of growth in the characters as well. While not always realistic (since life doesn't always work out so perfectly), it's a nice feel-good film--full of hope and worth seeing with someone you love.

Limp, predictable romantic dramady tries to sell itself with likable, easily relateable characters transcending through to inspirational situations but arrives dead in the water due to the dull performances, trite scripting, and just the glorified made-for-lifetime television feel throughout. Though this may provide substance to some shallow female demographic it caters to throughout the boring character bonding done in this South African town, viewers will rarely maintain interest if they have seen any female ensemble pieces that have even a hint of authenticity. Throughout the movie's professed uplifting tone, the numbingly generic players beat down whatever semi-engaging event this half baked, feel good,Crash-lite chick flick could have been and instead make it an exercise in tedious, stereotypical fluff suitable only for females who wouldn't even care to be bothered thinking about the fact that they've probably seen the same thing done much better so many times before.

I was at the NY premier last night at the Angelika Theater, and they sold out the first two showings. From an independent film set in a location like South Africa, dealing with issues not usually dealt with in mainstream cinema, it had an amazing turn out. The director and producer (husband and wife) were there for the premier and had a question and answer session. They were joined by two of the leading actors from the movie, who provided insight into how well the filimg was received in Cape Town. For anyone who seeks an honest look at South Africa today, and wants a brilliantly conceived and produced movie, I highly suggest Cape of Good Hope.

Saw Cape at the Tribeca film festival. Beautifully told story that takes the viewer into the lives of real people who somehow find 'hope' in hopeless situations. The movie takes place at an animal rescue center where the woman running it has more luck with dogs than lovers. Working there is a cultured astronomer from the Congo who has can't get a decent job because of his refugee status. The secretary there is a Muslim who desperately wants to have children. These all meet up with a domestic worker through her young boy's dog. As the plot develops love seems to hurdle over tremendous problems and life made hopeful. Audience response was very enthusiastic and the viewers were so totally wrapped up in the character's lives that they asked about a sequel. The cast of native Africans made this film believable and the direction of the film assumes the viewer is intelligent. This will be another 'whale rider' in popularity and beauty.