Master Harold...and the Boys

Master Harold...and the Boys is an absorbing and emotional drama film directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. Firstly showcased as a successful stage play written by Athol Fugard, the movie was later adapted for the screen in 1985. The film stars Matthew Broderick, known for his sterling performances in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and War Games, and South African actors John Kani and Zakes Mokae.

Set in South Africa in the mid-20th century, amidst the oppressive era of apartheid, Master Harold...and the Boys is a complex and moving drama that explores and critiques the rigid structures of power and prejudice. This film's initial setting is a seemingly benign tea room in Port Elizabeth, but as the narrative unfolds, it subtly transforms into a crucible of racial tension, societal oppression, and latent violence.

Matthew Broderick plays Hally or 'Master Harold,' a seventeen-year-old white boy, the son of the tea room's owner. At the outset, Hally seems to enjoy a warm and positive relationship with two black waiters Sam (Zakes Mokae) and Willie (John Kani), who work in his father's establishment. The waiters have known 'Master Harold' since he was a little boy, and their interactions are abundant with camaraderie, mutual regard, and warmth characteristic of a familial bond.

Much of the narrative unfolds through dialogue, revealing the past, the characters' aspirations, dreams, and the harsh reality of the society they live in. The film vividly renders the three characters' personalities, their inner worlds, and their relationships. This interaction-heavy storyline focuses on the tragic erosion of their kinship invoked by the racial tensions prevalent during this bleak period in South Africa's history.

Matthew Broderick, as 'Master Harold,' offers a delicate interpretation of a young man caught in the conflict between his affection for Sam and Willie and the societal norms of apartheid. His character deals with his own set of issues comprising adolescence, a dysfunctional family life, and the pressures of a race-dominated society.

Zakes Mokae and John Kani, who reprise their Broadway roles as Sam and Willie respectively, deliver strong performances. They embody the affable, hardworking, and tolerant servers who navigate the brutal apartheid regime with dignity. Mokae’s character, Sam, serves as a beacon of reason, wisdom, and grace in the face of racial bias and incivility, juxtaposing Hally's often-childish outbursts.

Meanwhile, Willie, indulgently portrayed by Kani, offers comic relief throughout the film. His character, though not as heavily focused as the other two, provides a subtle depiction of the common man's life during that time and his constant struggle for survival and respect.

Master Harold...and the Boys does not shy away from confronting its audience with the unwelcome truths about institutional racism and bigotry. While many films gloss over the horrors of apartheid, this gritty film offers an unbiased, unfiltered portrait of the times. However, it’s the personal drama and the relationship dynamics among the three principal characters that truly drive the narrative and capture viewer interest.

The film's direction and screenplay faithfully maintain the integrity of the original play. The stylized dialogue, the calculated pauses, and the raw emotion make this film unique. The runtime efficiently builds up the stark realization of societal constructs, the unsettling familiarity of racism, and the pain of inevitable change. The film's excruciatingly slow build to the climax is punctuated with instances of blatant racism that seem ineffective initially but have profound effects on the characters by the end of the film.

In conclusion, Master Harold...and the Boys is a poignant exploration of the nuances of apartheid and the power dynamics steeped within the society at that time. Masterfully acted and beautifully written, this film is a must-watch for lovers of hard-hitting, emotionally charged dramas and those seeking a deeper understanding of a crucial time in South African history.