My Father's War

My Father's War is a gripping and emotional feature film released in 2016, starring Erica Wessels, Neels Clasen, and David Dukas. Directed by Donnalee Roberts and Ivan Botha, it tells the story of a father-son relationship set against the backdrop of the South African Border War. The movie expertly intertwines themes of love, reconciliation, understanding, and the bond of family, skilfully navigating the audience through the battlefield of emotions.

The narrative spotlights Erica Wessels, skillfully portraying the loyal and loving wife and mother, juxtaposed with her experiences of war-period life. Neels Clasen, in the role of a culturally-set father and retired soldier, delivers a stellar performance as he grapples with his past experiences in the war and seeks to connect with his son, played by David Dukas, who gives a striking performance as a modern-day youth, embodying the generation divide and series of misunderstandings between father and son that mark their evolving relationship.

The plot revolves around Dap Smit, a young man portrayed by David Dukas, grappling with his relationship with his emotionally distant father, who was a veteran of the 1980s Angola Bush War, also known as the South African Border War. Dap is a rebellious youth struggling to understand his father's wartime experiences, often showing indifference towards his father's struggles, commandeering a tone of a cross-generational misunderstanding unfolding within a post-war family.

Neels Clasen puts forth an engaging performance as a war veteran, struggling to cope with a turbulent past. Despite the passage of time, his character, named Hendrik Smit, is still grappling with residual war trauma. His distant and introspective nature adds extra strains to his relationship with his son. When he isn't working as a mechanic, Hendrik struggles with haunting memories of the Border War. His role takes a pivotal turn when the brutal reality of his past is revealed, offering both him and the audience a chance to confront the consequences of his war-time actions.

Erica Wessels character, Anja Smit, adds more complexity to the narrative. As Hendrik's wife and Dap's mother, she provides a supportive and comforting presence throughout the movie. She attempts to bridge the gap between her husband and their son, encouraging both to be more understanding and loving towards each other.

The film primarily uses flashbacks to narrate the story of Hendrik’s war-time experiences, allowing viewers a haunting glimpse into the deep-rooted scars of combat. The narrative device also provides a platform for the characters to confront their strained relationships and unresolved emotions. Hints of dream sequences are cleverly interspersed within the film's narrative, bringing viewers on a psychological journey encapsulating the horrors of war and post-war struggles.

The backdrop of the South African Border War provides a unique lens to explore these interpersonal dynamics. The Border War marked one of the most turbulent times in South Africa's history, and by alluding to this historical context, the movie gives depth not just to the characters' personal struggles but also the social and political tensions of the time.

My Father’s War is as much a historical drama as it is a family drama, showcasing societal changes within post-apartheid South Africa, combined with a deeply personal narrative of a struggle for understanding and acceptance within a heartbroken household. It cuts across the typical war movie convention and refrains from glamorizing war. Instead, it focuses on the deep and lasting emotional trauma of warfare, showing just how a soldier's battle continues even after the war has ended.

The movie also makes significant strides in the technical field with impressive cinematography that beautifully captures the stark contrast between the relative calm of contemporary South Africa and the chaos of war-torn Angola during the Border War. The sound design and score are equally engrossing, further amplifying the film's emotional palette.

My Father's War, with its intense performances, moving storyline, and expert execution, is a riveting exploration of a war veteran's struggle to reconnect with his estranged son. It's a thought-provoking dive into a tumultuous page of history and a wake-up call to the harsh realities and mental consequences of war. A must-watch for fans of deep, character-driven dramas and those interested in the history of South Africa.