Last week Wednesday TVSA Blogger Pruluv and I attended the no-budget movie premiere of ‘I don’t ... ’ at Monte’s Ballroom, all red-carpet with press, journos and big actors invited.
Just a little background on the movie,
‘I don’t…!’ is the story of Mpumi Mkhize (Nonkululeko Ndlovu), wife to Themba Mkhize (Tazz Nginda) and mother of daughter, Nomsa Mkhize (Gabby Rayners). The film climbs into Mpumi’s world from her wedding day up to the day she realises - to her horror - that some vows should be broken …
The plan is to not go commercial with the movie yet, thank God ('cause critics would slaughter them for the product) but to do small theatres, churches, film festivals and other display cases, and ultimately a DVD. In essence, they want to reach as many people in SA as they can and we’ll help them spread the word here at TVSA.
So when you see the DVD in stores or sold on the streets (the producer said they’ll go as far as selling it at Noord themselves!) or when it finally hits the big screen think of the reviews that Pru and I did below
Pruluv.
I don’t think the film was able to execute the initial concept. The film was about the journey and trauma of an abused woman after she had said her vows - “I do.” She’s repeatedly physically, psychologically and emotionally abused and can’t get out of this abusive relationship. Her friends try to assist, but she’s too caught up in the web of her hubby’s abuse. Her inner self keeps fighting until she’s eventually free.
Great concept, right? But…
I don’t want to be harsh, but I didn’t see this wonderful concept being translated into the film. I know that there was no budget, but we’ve seen films on Soweto TV and etv’s Kasi Stories pull it off with no budget, so this film could have done better.
I don’t think the film maximized the acting skills of the actors they brought on board. It would have been desirable to see the actual abuse and not images of blood spats. The scenes were cut too short and generally there were too many shots, making it difficult to follow the film. We had to ask each other afterwards what certain scenes meant and had to rely on each other’s interpretation.
I do give Nonkululeko Ndlovu props for the courage to create a film of this magnitude and pull a Tyler Perry by occupying many roles. I loved the storyline which was written by an expert, Nonkululeko herself. She’s had firsthand experience of domestic abuse.
I do feel there was a lot of creativity on the film, particularly the alter-ego appearing from time to time to try rescue her.
The cast did a great job with their multitasking and occupying different roles. Additionally the film recognized new talent.
Let’s be clear, the film was not bad at all, but I believe so much more could have been done.
Pruluv’s rating:
5/10.
Tazteeq.
Bad sound, ok acting and great concept - nothing like Nollywood though. They managed to pull the right names but didn’t deliver a good product. Lots of unfinished scenes and all-over-the-place scene connections making it hard for us to connect the dots. Great cliff hanger for the sequel.
And who could have thought Penny Lebyane would pull such good acting? I loved her.
Taz’ rating:
4/10. Go out there and support the movement, if you see/hear anything about this film and have time to attend, please go, you will learn a thing or four!