Wild Is the Wind

A flawed protagonist needs to face the consequences of his choices to do what is right, the classic premise of a possibly good story. The premise of Wild is the Wind.

Vusi wants to move up in life, he wants to provide his family with better conditions, accepting any path to reach his goal. His desire. We know that Vusi needs to learn.

Follows law enforcement partners Vusi Matsoso and John Smit, senior investigators trying to make a living through active corruption. Their personal problems lead them to work together to improve their financial situation.

The cinematography is good in several moments. Wild is the Wind is a strong story, and the cinematographer tries to show that.

But nothing is perfect. The antagonist's lack of development makes his journey insignificant, inexplicable. So inexplicable that, in the end, the feeling is that we have lost some scene, some point in history that gives meaning to the things the antagonist and Vusy said, to the events. This lack of development also makes the antagonist disconnected from the main events, almost secondary. A pity, because the antagonist seems to be convincing.

Wild is the Wind is an engaging, slow drama that captivates with its premise and theme. With minimal flaws, this film is recommended if you want a compelling story about racism, injustice and redemption.

From here on out, I'll discuss important scenes that reveal about the film. Spoilers! Be warned.

The ending is dissonant, almost exploitative. An unnecessary ending, created just to make it bitter, to say "look how tense and strong this movie is, how heavy this movie is".

Vusi dies. Vusi had everything to be able to get back on top, redeem himself, but he dies, without reason, without purpose, without a clue. Even his wife says that she waits for him, but that he needs to be ready. Vusi's bow could redeem him, but his redemption cost his life with no use for his sacrifice. The ending could be different, more alive, Vusi accepting who she is, fighting but in a fair way.

I needed to release this outcome from within myself.

The only reason for the 1 star short is the scoring. Being a South African growing up pre and pos apartheid and a lover of music. There were alot more controversial and fitting songs released. However knowing the industry and copyright issues I get it. Do look forward to seeing more from Fabian. The cinematography was great. The story line is relevant and relatable. Think alot of these other reviews would've had a different perspective if it was some holiwood greats starring in it. But this has Oscar potential written all over it. Loved the story line. Would love to do the scoring for his next movie.

Netflix does a good job and suggesting movies to watch based on your rating. Sometimes they hit it, sometimes not. This one was killer.

The story was total allegory, based on a true or not, but the allegory is true.

Corruption and envy, and "keep the man down". It is presented in a subtle and measured story (good writing and directing), the actors are spot on, particularly the one who plays the black detective, there is a scene when he is in a car lamenting, wow.

The soundtrack is interesting, the words to the selected songs are appropriate, but sometimes the mood the music sets doesn't match the scene, but overall, the soundtrack is wonderful, especially "Oh My Lord".

This movie has a lot of heart, and I am glad I watched it.

Maybe not entirely crime film, but an unusual scheme in this South African movie where you have no really lead character, no hero, only characters for whom you wonder what feeling you can have. It is question of a serial killer intrigue mixed up with a rogue cops element. You have convincing performances and situations too. It is however a bit slow, but again, this is a worth watching movie where you can also watch as a buddy movie, a White and Black cop working together as a team, without being entirely LETHAL WEAPON either. It is of course question of racial matters in this South African feature; this explains the buddy scheme with two different races characters. A very short tribute to QT's RESERVOIR DOGS in the scene of the serial killer dancing around the car trunk with a gasoline can; remember Michael Madsen sequence dancing besides the tortured cop. Good ending.

As this South African film opens we see police officer Vusi Matsoso accepting a bribe from a speeding motorist. Afterwards he splits the money with his partner, John Smit. As the driver pulls away we see he has a young woman trussed up in the boot of his car. Three years later Matsoso and Smit are more corrupt; they raid a drug den, killing the criminals and taking their drugs to sell to local criminals. Meanwhile there is the murder of another young woman, this time she is an Afrikaner. Racial tensions flare when suspicions fall on her black boyfriend. The events that follow will test Matsoso and Smit's friendship; will they do the right thing or take the easy options?

I thought this was a really solid crime drama. It started really well. We know from the opening scene that our protagonists are corrupt, the only question is whether their corruption is taking bribes for minor offences and robbing drug dealers or whether they will be willing to ruin innocent lives for their own benefit. The story deals with the racial tensions that are inevitably still present in South Africa without feeling as if it is a lecture. The main strength of the film is its acting and direction. Mothusi Magano and Frank Rautenbach really impress as Matsoso and Smit and even those in secondary roles are good. Fabian Medea does a great job directing. The South African landscape adds a lot to the atmosphere of the film; the rugged veldt gives the film the feel of a western at times. While the identity of the man who killed the Afrikaner girl is unlikely to surprise anybody there are a few other moments that do come as a surprise, one time tragically so. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to fans of crime drama looking for something set outside North America or Europe. It would be nice to see more great drama coming out of Africa.

It must be noted that although Netflix suggests this is an English language film most of the dialogue is in subtitled Afrikaans; I didn't find that to be a problem but others might want to be aware before watching.