Boesman and Lena

Boesman and Lena is a powerful drama film, directed by John Berry, that explores themes of existential despair, deprivation and the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. Released in the year 2000, the movie is an adaptation of a play of the same name by the renowned South African playwright Athol Fugard. The film features iconic Hollywood actors Danny Glover, Angela Bassett and Willie Jonah in lead roles.

Set in the tumultuous backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa, the movie primarily revolves around two characters, Boesman (Danny Glover) and Lena (Angela Bassett). The plot is symbolic of the racial and social discrimination, isolation and poverty faced by the black majority of the country during this time period.

The lead characters, Boesman and Lena, are a married couple who are constantly on the move, both physically and emotionally, as they defy tragedy and despair in their desolate life. Blasted out of their makeshift shanty by the white government’s bulldozers, they are forced to live a nomadic lifestyle carrying what's left of their possessions on a donkey cart, traversing the barren landscapes and swamps around the Cape Flats region. The repetitive and seemingly endless nature of their journey becomes a stark reflection of the prejudice they face in their society.

Danny Glover's character, Boesman, is a hollowed, bitter man lashing out at his circumstances and often at Lena too. He rages against their fate, but still, he goes on, mostly motivated by life's simple necessities such as shelter and meal. As a decent wine tapper, he finds his way to manage his life's struggle with alcohol.

Angela Bassett’s Lena is a complex yet bold woman trapped in her circumstances, but throughout the film, her hope is one thing that never falters. She clings persistently to her memories, dreams, and elicits empathy from the audience with her longing for connection and shared experiences.

The couple’s dynamics reveal an underlining complexity laden with exploitation and abuse but also bound by a shared history. And while their relationship may seem dysfunctional, their deep sense of longing for connection despite being caught in a cycle of despair outwardly illustrates the raw struggle of human survival against rampant societal oppression.

The narrative receives a breath of fresh air when they encounter an old Xhosa tribesman (Willie Jonah), a peculiar and mysterious character. He doesn't understand their language, nor they his, thus adding a layer of metaphorical disconnect and communication gap. This element introduces a delicate twist to the narrative, symbolizing the broader racial divides of the apartheid era.

The film's cinematography reflects the emotional state of the characters with the uncanny, harshness of the landscape echoing the harsh reality of their lives. The director masterfully uses long, lingering shots, taking advantage of the desolate yet beautiful surroundings, adding a sense of bleak realism yet evoking pathos.

Boesman and Lena is a poignant exploration of the human spirit against systemic oppression, deprivation, and displacement. It goes beyond the superficialities, presenting an unflinching look at the struggle of existence under the shadow of apartheid. Moreover, the combination of compelling performances from Glover and Bassett, combined with Berry's evocative direction, renders this film an enriching cinematic experience. The film instills a profound impact on its viewers, confronting them with the heartbreaking realities of apartheid with lingering potency.

Overall, Boesman and Lena is a bold, emotional, and comprehensive portrayal of the pains of apartheid. The film grasps with a handful of characters, the broad sweep of a harsh and pivotal era in South Africa’s history, and offers a quiet yet challenging reflection of the human spirit and resilience in desperate times. Though not easy viewing, it is certainly a cinematic journey worth taking for its intense performances and its insightful outlook on a somber chapter of world history.