Son of Man

Son of Man is an audacious and original movie that debuted in 2006 - a South African film that uses the biblical story of Jesus Christ, the son of God, to comment on contemporary African society. Directors Mark Dornford-May and Andiswa Kedama, along with screenwriter Mark Dornford-May, invoke Peter Brook's notion of "holy theatre,” reenvisioning a two-thousand-year-old narrative according to their unique context. The film stars Noluthando Boqwana, Andile Kosi, and Pauline Malefane in key roles.

Set in a war-torn, heavily militarized region of modern-day Africa, Son of Man explores the life of a man named Jesus portrayed by the mesmerizing Andile Kosi. Jesus is seen as a beacon of hope in a place where political strife, extremist groups, corruption, and poverty have torn apart society. However, rather than a traditional retelling of the scripture, the story presents a unique interpretation of the biblical myth to offer a critique of the contemporary African socio-political landscape, thereby making the narrative resonate to a new audience in a raw and profoundly human way.

The film opens with Jesus's mother, Mary, played by the exceptional Pauline Malefane, escaping from a massacre in her village, finding refuge in the town of Bethlehem. Encountering an Angel in a dream, she conceives Jesus under special circumstances - a nod to the sacred tradition of immaculate conception, yet reimagined for the modern age.

Once grown, Jesus becomes a human rights activist and a significant threat to the status quo. His teachings echo the words of comfort and healing from the gospel, but are presented in a way that reflects the harsh realities of life in a country battling corruption and strife. He champions the cause of the poor and the dispossessed, striding through crumbling townships and bullet-riddled slums with a message of peace and transformation.

This tale of courage and moral conviction is mixed with magic realism; spirituality is intertwined with the tangible world, forming what could be described as a "holy black African gospel," in all its complexity and diversity, a fascinating and multilayered texture that enhances the narrative. The prophetic dreams and apparitions are relayed through traditional African dance and music, which becomes the soul of the film, transporting the viewers into its world. Pauline Malefane, who plays Mary, also contributes to the ethereal music score, adding depth and authenticity to the already engaging narrative.

In supporting roles, Noluthando Boqwana turns in a strong performance, bringing to life the miracles and parables of the New Testament against the gritty backdrop of modern-day Africa. The rest of the cast eloquently portray a range of characters from the biblical text, highlighting the society's diversity and different walks of life.

Director Mark Dornford-May presents this film in English and Xhosa, a regional South African language, boosting the movie's authenticity and its ability to bridge cultures. The storytelling is so raw and genuine that even if one isn't fluent in Xhosa, the emotion and message shine through. The expert camera work and cinematic style further emphasize the gritty realism, aiding in the complex narrative.

By transposing the familiar biblical account of Jesus onto a modern, African context, Son of Man brings revolutionary new meaning to the timeless religious story. It raises thought-provoking questions about morality, spirituality, and human rights while providing colorful, artistic creativity in cinema. It is a must-watch not just for its unique take on a beloved narrative but also for celebrating the artistic storytelling ability of African cinema, making it a joyous, challenging watch for any film lover.

The movie, with its unconventional presentation, doesn't claim to provide answers, but seeks to inspire contemplation and meaningful dialogues about what we accept as our truths. Even though it's set in an explosive, violent world, Son of Man shines with a message of hope and redemption, making it a film that resonates with audiences worldwide. Its interpretation of the tale as a human rights parable set within the African context gives it a profound, universal appeal.