Multi award winning reworking of the Gospels that see Jesus Christ cast as a revolutionary fighting oppression in contemporary Africa. Son of Man challenges the Hollywood depictions of a western looking messiah with a gritty portrayal of a political activist rallying a township. In the state of Judea in southern Africa, violence, poverty and sectarianism are endemic. The neighbouring Alliance has invaded to restore 'peace' at gunpoint. Bloody street battles accompany the neighbouring dictatorship's incursion into its weaker satellite. Promises of a transition to open democratic rule accompany summary executions and brutal massacres.
Directed by
Mark Dornford-May
Written by
Mark Dornford-May; Andiswa Kedama; Pauline Malefane.
Starring
Andile Kosi (Jesus); Andries Mbali (Satan); Pauline Malefane (Mary); James Anthony (Gabriel); Joel Mthethwa (Joseph); Sibusiso Ziqubu (Herod); Vuyo Sonyaka (Child Jesus); Sibulele Mjali (Peter); Ntobeko “Top C” Rwanqa (James); Mvakalisi Madotyeni (John); Ebenezer Sawuli (Thomas); Mzukisi Gqadushe (Bartholomew); Bongani Bubu (James the Younger); Thembela James (Matthew); Nobapostile Msongelwa (Thaddea); Thandiwe Mesele (Andie); Jim Ngxabaze (Judas); Mvuyisi Mjali (Caiaphus); Zamile Gantana (General Pilate); Ruby Mthethwa (Mary Magdalen). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Very Original - and with a Great Score too!
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Jesus with an African drum beat - I couldn't ask for more! I liked 'Son of Man' a lot; I thought it was fresh, original and heartfelt. I've often wondered what Jesus's mission would look like should He come down to earth in person today (though clearly we have pointers in the lives of the saints), and 'Son of Man' helped me to envisage that. The score is a big plus of this film for me - I like the way the producers have kept an authentic feel without feeling like they had to sell out for a western audience. The acting was also good; though limited a little by the fact that there were only three or four characters with any significant parts. Theologically, there is much to question; I do worry a little that there is such a political background story to the film - as opposed to say a group that was trying to install a new ideology, and not 'just' a new political order. I also felt Jesus didn't quite have the 'aura of holiness' around him that I would envisage him to have. This is opposed to say Robert Powell's Jesus in 'Jesus of Nazareth'. Also, one other comment I would like to pick up upon is that at one point Jesus says "All authority is not divinely instituted". This is true, but it should be remembered that, as in the case of Pontius Pilate, all authority is divinely permitted. All in all this remains a film I recommend highly though - not least for its heartfelt originality (and its score!).
