Five Fingers for Marseilles

Five Fingers for Marseilles is a gripping and visceral South African western feature film shot in 2017. This enthralling regional action film is the brainchild of director Michael Matthews and writer Sean Drummond. It paints a stunning portrait of post-apartheid South Africa, portraying an epic tale of redemption and the pursuit of justice. The star-studded lineup includes eye-catching performances from Vuyo Dabula, Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele, and Hamilton Dlamini.

The plot revolves around Tau, portrayed with an unflinching intensity by Vuyo Dabula. He is a man torn by his past misdeeds and his aspiration for redemption. As a young boy, Tau finds himself caught up within the struggle and oppression in the small railway colony of Marseilles. There, alongside his four friends (quickly known as the "Five Fingers"), he becomes a young freedom fighter, resisting brutal police oppression. This struggle leads Tau to a disheartening path of crime and exile.

Years later, the now hardened and mature Tau returns to Marseilles, having left his life of violence behind him. He finds his home ensnared by a vicious new threat—a crowd of menacing criminals have taken over Marseilles, leaving the citizens in a suffocating grip of fear and terror. What follows forms the crux of the narrative as Tau, the reluctant hero, grapples with his past and the needs of his people.

This film has the classic touch of the western genre, reminiscent of films like "High Plains Drifter" and "Unforgiven," as the lone gunman returns to the town he once left in tumult. However, it manages to blend this with a modern interpretation of South African socio-political complexities and realities, thus taking the western genre to new heights.

The portrayal of women in the film—particularly by Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele, who puts forth a powerful performance as Lerato—is also commendable. The women in this narrative are strong and resilient, offering a fascinating counterpoint to a genre frequently dominated by male characters.

Hamilton Dlamini delivers an intriguing portrayal of Sepoko, a complex antagonist. His performance makes the character both menacing and oddly magnetic—a testament to Dlamini's acting prowess. The tension he brings adds to the overall suspense that characterizes this gritty tale.

Five Fingers for Marseilles is a visual wonder, shot amid the expansive vistas of Eastern Cape’s mountainous arid region. The rugged landscape lends itself to the story's turbulent and challenging atmosphere, creating unearthly and stunning images that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. It is an aesthetically intense film, where every frame could be a stand-alone work of art.

Besides the remarkable visuals, the film is also a sonic marvel. From the low murmurings of a wind-swept desolate landscape to the crisp crackle of a fired gun, every sound becomes a character in its own right. The subtle use of Sotho language (with English subtitles) further immerses the audience, reinforcing the authenticity of the narrative.

Diverging from typical narratives of South Africa centered on racial tension or apartheid, Five Fingers for Marseilles invites audiences to experience a different narrative. It tells a story of hope, betrayal, loyalty, and is laden with a profound exploration of freedom and bondage, of masculinity and morality. Central to the narrative are issues such as complicity, guilt, and the challenges of achieving true freedom—freedom not only from external oppressions but from the psychological shackles of past actions.

Throughout the film, the metaphorical significance of the 'Five Fingers' is profoundly explored: each represents a distinctive kind of power, parallel to the five protagonists in our story, four of whom remain and one who leaves.

In closing, Five Fingers for Marseilles is a must-watch film— a unique intersection of classic western, modern South African sociopolitical commentary, and deep character drama. Its stellar ensemble cast and engrossing visuals and audio design mark it as a significant contribution to a new wave of African cinema increasingly capturing global attention. This film leaves viewers contemplating long after the end credits, evoking staggeringly complex questions about power, justice, and redemption.