The modus operandi of many SA filmmakers is to use our rather serious national and cultural issues as fodder for either drama or comedy. This one falls into the latter, and makes use of all the black and white clichés in the book.The story is basic: White, Jewish guy falls in love with Xhosa girl and proposes. Their respective families are apoplectic and the insults start: “You can’t marry the help”, “You can take the maid out of Gugulethu…” you get the idea. Look, I’m all for finding the humour in a situation, but I’m not sure if racial stereotyping to such a degree is helping anyone.
There’s no doubt this film offends a large portion of the population: Xhosas, whites, blacks, Jews and coloureds all come under fire from broad generalisations. Then again, Leon Schuster’s movies offend absolutely everyone and they’re still the most successful films in SA. Call me sensitive and demanding but I know we can do better.
Rating: 2 outta 5.
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