Frank & Fearless

Frank & Fearless is a 2018 South African adventure comedy film co-written, co-produced, and starred in by the widely recognized veteran actor and filmmaker Leon Schuster. Directed by Gray Hofmeyr and written by Geoff Newton and Leon Schuster himself, the movie is an engaging and hilarious adventure bet and a medium to subtly address pertinent themes such as wildlife conservation, bravery, unity, and diversity.

Leon Schuster stars as Sonny Frank, a lovable old man who harbors a deep love for the wildlife. Sonny is a stalwart of conservation and keenly aware of the threats that wildlife, particularly African Rhinoceros, faces. He is seen living in the jungles of Africa, reveling in his solitude while maintaining a close relationship with the animals, particularly a rhino named Fearless.

Sonny isn't alone in this venture, as he is accompanied by Fearless, the full-grown orphaned rhinoceros, who not only adds charm to the tale, but also triggers the main events of the plot. The bond between Sonny and the rhinoceros is effectively portrayed, delivering a sense of longing and affection for the threatened species.

Amidst this journey, we meet two additional characters that add to the humorous layers of the film. Kenneth Nkosi plays the role of Thabo, an earnest yet somewhat clumsy ranger and Thembalethu Ntuli plays the character of Tiny, marked as a brilliant and inquisitive 10-year-old boy. Thabo’s hilarious antics, in conjunction with Sonny, provide comic relief, whilst Tiny adds a moral and emotional depth to the narrative.

The plot thickens as the lives of our four central characters intersect when they stumble upon a grim poaching racket ravaging their local wildlife community. Amidst the adventure and chaos, the movie takes a poignant turn and ultimately evolves into a fight for a common cause – to save their beloved rhino friend.

Their race against time leads them through a series of zany and hysterical escapades and—against all odds—these four misfits join forces and become the unlikely heroes whom South Africa needs. With high-octane action, hilarious antics, and a dose of real-world relevance, the journey of Sonny, Thabo, Tiny, and Fearless aims to charm audiences of all ages and leave them with a lasting message.

There are further elements of South African folklore, familial bonding, and valiant team-ups that showcase the vibrancy of multicultural landscapes and the harmony that comes with mutual respect for diversity. Frank & Fearless is presented with Schuster's signature style of slapstick comedy and disguised characters but comes with greater profundity and gravity due to its eco-conscious subject matter.

The movie has achieved a balance between light-hearted comedy for its majority, whilst also managing to integrate a powerful conservation message that raises awareness about the tragic poaching of Rhinos in Africa. With its lively performances, unique storytelling, and a well-delivered social message, Frank & Fearless marks a worthy addition to Leon Schuster's filmography and stands as an entertaining and poignant exploration of society and the environment. It is a delightful and thought-provoking adventure that offers viewers an opportunity to laugh and ponder in equal measure.

Frank & Fearless is not just a movie; it’s a declaration of love towards the African continent, its culture, its wild habitats, and an urgent call for protecting its endangered wildlife species. It is a film that promises hearty laughter, a roller-coaster adventure, and a profound connection with nature, all in one sitting. For those who appreciate a good comedy intertwined with a serious and noble cause, Frank & Fearless is well worth a watch.