ZEF: The Story of Die Antwoord

Didn't know anything about Die Antwoord before this. I don't particularly like their music although it does strike as being interesting and unique.

That said the visuals for this documentary are very striking and I'd probably are the main reason that would recommend watching this.

Some people seem to think this is merely a puff piece to offset the allegations made by 'Tokkie'. I don't know anything about that so cannot comment on it further. I would say that 'Ninja' looked particularly 'medicated' during the filming.

On the whole, I found this to be interesting and informative with enough artistic merit to warrant a recommendation.

A documentary from last year detailing the rise of the titular rap duo, Ninja & Yolandi Visser, who hail from South Africa. Nominally presented by the duo's daughter Sixteen (named after Visser's favorite number), we follow the struggles of Ninja, who had the knack for rap but the record labels felt otherwise but once he hooked up w/Visser, both literally & romantically, the band took off w/their outre music videos & unique visual style even coming to our shores to present their particular vision to American audiences (further evidence of their influence came when both were cast in Neill Blomkamp's Chappie in 2015). The usual ups & downs of fame would also rear its head as the pair would separate (Ninja would take on multiple partners) but their love brought them back into each other's arms w/the denouement up in the air as to where the band will go next. Presented w/tongue firmly in cheek (the pair live on an animal preserve w/wild beasties running around w/o abandon), we never know if the presentation is an actual litany of facts or some performative extension of their persona & we'll never know since the pair are all but humorless but direct in their delivery. Being the doc is a pip to watch I think it's great the makers left it up to us to decide what's real or reel? Get guessing!

In the first 5 minutes Yolandi lies and says she was 19 when she met Ninja in 2001. Except that Wikipedia lists her birthdate as December 1, 1984. That means she was most likely 16 (or possibly 17 if they met in December) when she met Ninja. He would have been 26 or 27.

This "documentary" starts with a lie because the truth of Die Antwoord is too disgusting. Nothing after that lie can be trusted. This video is merely slick propaganda meant to rehabilitate their image. And they enlist their daughter, Sixteen, as their mouthpiece.

The visuals and editing are reminiscent of their music videos. Which is to say they are very stylistic and engaging. But this comes across as more of a long form commercial for Die Antwoord than a documentary.

Die Antwoord are important and interesting in every way that is important. Without band like this, music would plunge into a putrid sea of mush that is modern pop music ( need I name names )..

What a joy it was to see how they came about with this very HONEST insight into their evolution.

Yes its all marketing and hype but Die Antwoord make it look fresh and interesting. Their sound is very unique, sharp and thought provoking and because they are from Cape Town, South Africa display a naked rawness which this film highlights perfectly.

Bring it on - The Answer indeed.

PS.. the W in their name is pronounced like V.

I'm not sure what to think of them. It shows how much they enjoy making music and it is somewhat catchy. It is a different listen that is for sure. Their daughter seems to love them and their fan base is insane. I believe they are popular because they appeal to the disenfranchised. And. That is a huge crowd. Now. To the elephant in the room. Their adopted son has made some damming allegations against them. And. I do believe there is truth to them. I honestly wish they would address them more and earnestly. The documentary is awfully self serving. I get it. They did earn everything they have. And. No doubt they had their naysayers. They'd videos are definitely unique and ambitious. Not everyone's cup of tea. Again. Good documentary. These two are music geniuses. Whether you like their music or not. I like it more than I thought I would.