"Hard to Get" gets a good nod

Hard to Get unravels remarkable cinema viewing

 

By Fika Shange

 

The first time I laid my eyes on this film’s poster, I was immediately captivated and enthralled. With actor Pallance as lead, one just had to expect nothing but  only mind blowing and exhilarating performance which is something that we have now all come to be accustomed to from this talented young man. I was even more stunned by the stimulating performance of the feisty and yet meek Tshiwe Ziqubu who goes by the name of Skiets in the film.

 

 

TK (Pallance Dladla) is a handsome, charming womaniser of note who meets the striking, robust and dazzling, yet reckless Skiets (Thishiwe Ziqubu) when she walks into the shebeen where he works. Skiets is working to a plan and it virtually appears as if she roped him into this plan. TK simply wants to get into her pants and Skiets never admits it until the bitter end, but she is in love with him. They steal a car from the local bully who spends the rest of the film in search for them. The untouchable couple fail at little robberies and are discovered by the don of rogues that form the underbelly of Johannesburg. It’s not long before their will and love are put to the test.

 

 

Some of the points that stood out for me were the commitment by the entire cast. You can tell that they all wanted to be there. The cinematography was beautifully and artistically done. The choice of and appropriate use of locations created a wonderful world for the story. We found ourselves engrossed in it. I am still awestruck that the very young-looking Zee Ntuli pulled this off. Yes, with a host of mentoring and development by NFVF and very knowledgeable producers it’s still enthralling.

 

The pace and rhythm of this film is so rationally constructed to make sure that they have your attention through every action-filled minute. So when it came to the romance or grimacing action sequences I didn’t want it to drop. I wanted the movie to keep thrusting forward; and it did. Ultimately this is a hopeful story which carries the message that love is worth fighting for. If you are staunch fanatic of action-romance indie flick than you don’t want to miss this incredible film.

Thina Sobabili...a film review by Fika Shange

As cliché as this will undoubtedly sound, there’s one word with which to describe this film - MAGICAL. The alluring title “Thina Sobabili” loosely translated as “Just the two of us” generated just the right amount of anticipation to watch the film. I have viewed a number of films in my life and as soon as I’m out of the cinema, I would have utterly forgotten about the film. However this film is entirely the opposite because it’s mesmeric all the way through.

Not a hard-core film but definitely makes you feel uncomfortable and gloomy for the people in the situation. It brings you face to face with the extreme social ills and the realities of social issues. It unquestionably takes you out of the comfort zone and compels you to empathise with the characters.

Set in Alexandra Township, east of Johannesburg, directed by Ernest Nkosi, Thina Sobabili tells a story of two young siblings, Zanele and her older brother Thulas.  They are desperate, living on the poverty line and carry great emotional baggage. The pair is striving against dreadful social challenges. Thulas is an obsessive, controlling, somewhat emotionally fragile, young man. He is willing to do anything to protect his younger sister. Zanele on the other hand, naively sees a sugar daddy as an escape from the horrendous reality.

It’s been a long time coming since I have literally found myself sitting on the edge of my seat. You cannot really blame me because of the intense and compelling drama demonstrated by the characters. While there’s a state of gloom and torment, in other scenes, there’s fairly glee and merriment. This allows the audience to cudgel their brains on what they have seen.

 

Vodacom Durban July Preview Fashion Show & Concert

Zarth



David Tlale


It is that time of the year again, in which, Durban gets to host probably the biggest horse racing event in Africa - The Durban July 2014. The event is a big draw card for local celebrities, fashion designers and fashion enthusiasts around the country. So it comes as no surprise that Gateway theatre of shopping has once again stepped up to host this year's Vodacom Durban July Fashion preview show . The spectacular event is to be staged at Gateway's Wave House on the 4th July 2014. This will be the sixth time that this event is being held there.
 
Gateway has set out to capture the reminiscence of the old Hollywood glamour as the organisers align this event to the 2014 Durban July theme - "The Big screen".
 

Classic concept pieces presented in a contemporary context, edgy, timeless and elegant is what the internationally recognized and award winning fashion designers will be showcasing on the fashion ramp.

Internationally acclaimed and award winning designers will show case their work and interpretation of this year's theme. David Tlale (@Tlale_Large), Palse Homme , Zama Mathe and Terrence Bray are just some of the designers that will be taking part in this year’s fashion extravaganza. Making their debut on this stage will be Palse Homme(@Palse_SA). A relatively new comer, Palse Homme has already grabbed the attention of many fashionastas. Popolar and SAMA award winning artist Donald(@DonaldInDenial) is Pulse Homme brand ambassador.

Pulse Homme


5FM and Roger Goode fans can look forward to the live broadcast of The Roger Goode show from the Wave House from 4pm. The Ultimix at 6 will be performed live on stage.



Djs Fresh and Euphonic



Roger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The show will commence at 17:30
• R50 gets you a ticket via computicket

Contributing SUR fashion editor Banele Njoko (@Mnqobi_Banele) will be in attendance and tweeting live from the event.

This is a show not to be missed courtesy of Gateway Theatre of Shopping (@GatewayUmhlanga)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valar Morghulis - ALL MEN MUST DIE

It has been just over a year after the dreadful and tragic end of Season3 of Game of Thrones, leaving fans around the world traumatised by the unforeseen and truly unexpected turn of events.  After a long wait the new season of  Game of Thrones is here. The first episode airs tonight on HBO across the United States. South Africans will be able to watch the show from next weekend on DSTV. Get ready as the new season is being hailed as the season to top all seasons.

To celebrate the exciting return of this brilliant show, I have decided to put together my most shocking moments from the last 3 seasons:.....BUT before I do, I think I need to just say this show is such a thrill to watch. You just never know what is going to happen. The writing is so clever that it leaves you wondering what just happened. So without any further delay, here are my most memorable shockers that made me go WTF. In random order...

10 year old Bran Stark falls from the tower
Poor Bran was unlucky to climb the tower that day and through the top window see the brother and sister, Queen Regent and Jaime Lannister, having sex. The King Slayer pushes Bran out of the window and tells Cersei "things I do for love". Bran survives the fall but is in a coma for a while and never regains the use of his legs.

The red witch gives birth to an unspeakable horror
We saw how the red witch convinced Stannis Bareatheon to lay with her so that she could give him a son. She is then escorted to a nearby cave by the Onion Knight. There she gives birth to a dark figure. They use this "thing" to kill handsome Lord Renly.

Daenerys Targaryen becomes the mother of dragons
At her husband Khal Drogo's funeral, Dany decides to have her dragon eggs placed in the pyre. She then walks into the fire. When the fires dies down, she remains unharmed and unburnt and her 3 dragon eggs hatch.



The Red Wedding
I really do not want to relive this horrific scene in my head. I literally needed a few days to recover after watching this. All I have to say about this is that nobody is safe in Westeros.

Ned Stark dies
Known for his nobility and his honour, Ned Stark is executed for treason - we know he is not guilty of that but nobody saw this one coming either. Damn that Jeofferey!

Wildfire
Tyrion Lannister as the then acting Hand of the King, is charged with the defence of Kings Landing, when Stannis invaded the capital. The imp used his intelligence to perfectly execute the use of this wildfire to destroy Stannis's fleet. The explosion is so spectacular but shocking at the same time. Its clear to me why after the death of the Mad King, the use of wildfire was completely banished. This stuff  is really dangerous as we saw during the battle of BlackWater Bay.

Daenerys frees the slaves of Astapor
Using amazing tactical greatness, the young Dany assumes command of the 8000 Unsullied, sets her biggest dragon on Master Kraznys and frees all the slaves in Astapor. Amazing!!!




"Tears aren't a woman's only weapon"
Queens are supposed to be regal, disgnified and carry themselves with certain grace and elegance. It was not the case when Queen Regent was speaking to young Sansa Stark. "The best one is between your legs. Learn how to use it", she told the shocked Sansa.  Of course Sansa cannot believe what she is hearing but we have by now all come to hate Cersei for her less than queenly ways.

Well there you have it. There is so much more that is shocking in this series. I guess that is why we have all come to love the show so much. Get ready for more plots, more death, more nudity and more Westeros politics, more white walkers as the new season begins.

Winter is Coming!!!

And the winner is...

 

Just a few hours ago, 4th year student of medicine Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss South Africa 2014. The gorgeous 21 year old University of Free State student walks away with an amazing prize package to the value of more than R1.5 million. Rolene will now represent South Africa at the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. The new Miss South Africa was crowned with a specially designed new crown made by Anglo Gold.

The title of first runner up went to Eastern Cape's Ziphozakhe Zokufa whilst Matlala Mokoko from Limpompo was crowned 2nd runner up.

The spectacular final was staged at the Sun City Superbowl. Performances by SAMA nominated group MiCasa and Bucie added a dynamic entertainment value to the show. The show was put together so nicely. Loved the live orchestra and the music for each segment. The camera work showcased the finalists and the use of the huge screen at the back of the stage was brilliant.

Congratulations to Rolene. Bring on Miss Universe!!! 

Miss South Africa 2014 - The Final Stretch

South Africa's Finest

In less than a week South Africa’s most glamorous woman will be crowned. 12 absolutely stunning finalists are currently at Sun City preparing for the big night. It has not been an easy road to get to the finals as these finalists have been subjected to gruelling judging from 3 very famous judges. Anele Mdoda, DJ Black Coffee and Pnins Fenster sifted through thousands of entries to give us these 12 finalists. The girls are indeed the finest of the country’s crop. They come from all over the breadth and length of our rainbow nation. Not only are they easy on the eye, but they are also accomplished .These judges were so on point with the judging thus giving us what many consider the best Miss South Africa line up in a long time. This year was not without some controversy though. DJ Black Coffee had to give up his judge’s seat, following the “discovery” that one of the semi-finalists is his half step sister.

 

In a country like South Africa where our recent history still echoes in the hearts and minds of many, finding one woman who is truly an embodiment of what South Africa is all about is no walk through the park. It has always been my wish that politics remain outside of the judging of this event. If anything 20 years of democracy has taught us that the race issue has become almost irrelevant. The best woman, with the right emotional intelligence, irrespective of her ethnicity, MUST win. Having said, looking at the past title holders, one can certainly identify a common denominator amongst them. National pride and love for the nation has been an intangible factor that all winners of Miss South Africa possess. At the end of the day this is a beauty pageant and the woman who wins has to be someone that commands attention.  People must immediately notice her when she enters the room and must be a fierce competitor at the international pageant(s). She also needs to strike a balance between being beautiful and still be able to draw people towards her because of her warmth. 

Melinda Bam being called into the top 10 at Miss Universe 2012

 

The glamorous Miss South Africa 2014 final is to take place this coming Sunday March 30^th at the Sun City Superbowl. The organisers promise a show like no other. Sun International recently hired Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam as the Executive National Director for the pageant. A very wise move and the results are already noticeable.  The blonde bombshell, who made the top 10 at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant, has been hard at work. Miss South Africa brand is stronger than ever.  One of the country’s telecommunications giant, Cell C, is the new presenting sponsor. Media coverage has been adequate. The Road to Miss South Africa show which is aired on Mzansi Magic has gotten viewers glued to their screens as the finalists have been put through several interesting challenges. The official Miss South Africa website has been a delight to visit. It is updated with amazing content and up to date information - everything from expert opinion on what to expect as a Miss SA competitor, a commentary provided by the reigning Miss South Africa Marilyn Ramos, Miss South Africa 2010 Bokang Montjane and Miss South Africa 2011 Melinda Bam,  to include detailed finalists profiles.  Making this year’s judging panel an extremely powerful one is the addition of Bonang Matheba, Amy Kleinhans Curd and Kojo Baffoe as judges. Kudos to Melinda and her team.

 

 

So who do I think will win Miss South Africa 2014? I have been tossing and turning on this one. Honestly I believe the competition is between two outstanding competitors – Ronele Strauss and Ziphozakhe Zokufa. They have been going head to head from the commencement of this year’s pageant. These two have been so popular that it has caused a public outcry for two titles to be awarded this year – Miss Universe South Africa and Miss World South Africa. Unfortunately this is no easy feat and Sun International has the responsibility to both MUO and MWO. So I don’t see this happening. If there is any justice in this world, one of these fine women should be Miss South Africa. My heart breaks knowing that there will only be one  winner. I hope the judges will challenge them so that they dig deep within themselves and find that essence of why they want to be Miss South Africa.

Ziphozakhe is such a rare find. Her undeniable beauty is something to be cherished. She is well spoken, outgoing and has one of the most unbelievable voices. You can’t help but listen and pay attention when she speaks.  She is such a breath of fresh air. She is unique, unrehearsed and she seems to have this effortless aura about her. She is gorgeous, classy and tall and can easily make top 5 both at Miss World and Miss Universe.

Rolene Strauss returns to fight for the crown from her first attempt back in 2011 where she made top 5. The improvement this girl has made from then till now is remarkable. She is drop dead gorgeous. You can take her right now, send her to Miss Universe and she will make waves. She is smart, has an amazing body, glamorous and witty. It’s almost as if she doesn’t have to try hard to be noticed. Rolene is a complete package. If she wins, I’d be just as delighted. She has everything it takes to win South Africa its 2^nd Miss Universe crown.

 

The judges certainly have work cut out for them. I wish them the best of luck as they make this almost impossible decision. The quality of this year’s finalists is outstanding.  Miksha, Jade, Matlala and Tshegofatso might sneak in and take it all too. It is not over until Price Water house Coopers has adjudicated the results J I wish all the finalists the best of luck. May the best girl win!!!

Images courtesy of Miss SAO and MUO