A Personal Review on KITES (Showmax Original Movie) Directed by Menzi Mzimela

 

Okay! It’s been a minute; I haven’t watched something that resonates with me. Then BOOM! Showmax dropped another original movie from its first-time directors’ slate in partnership with Joburg Film Festival. Menzi Mzimela jumps on the director’s chair for this one and oh! Bro did it, it’s amazing to see this new wave of young directors. The project is produced by multi-award winners Urban Brew in collaboration with Weldun.

“Kites” follow Sihle, who chauffeur’s his DJ friends around Joburg for their important audition at the city’s hottest club. Their night takes a wild turn when they end up having to get rid of a dead body and make it to their audition.  The characters speak volume in defining Kites as individuals who usually disappear at social gatherings, jumping from one circle to another.

Let’s dive into it.

Straight away we are introduced to Sihle’s eyes fixed onto what looks like an acceptance letter of employment, it’s obvious that he has a big decision to make. Then the chaos comes into play as we are introduced to his friends, Dj Link (Played by Aphiwe Mkefe from Oscar-shortlisted Lakutshon’ Ilanga) and Neo (Played by Marcus Molemane from The Estate) and Vusi (played by Paballo Mavundla from House of Zwide)

Beautiful writing from Menzi Mzimela, Kgosana Monchusi and Juvais Dunn. Visually I felt like I was in the desert for months and Director of Photography Gavin Sterley just gave me a glass of water. I won't mention that scene where a light was in frame, it might have been one of those situations that people say, “You will only see it if you know what it’s, So Walk away…” or “It’s fine, vele I won’t stay long on that wide shot”. Well, you did stay long enough for me to notice. Styling, make-up and hair both departments came to play. Everything just complimented each other and made the lighting style pop-out.

                                    Aphiwe Mkefe as DJ Links and Marcus Molemane as DJ Neo                                          

Dj Links hair continuity gave me so much anxiety, but Aphiwe’s performance made me see pass it. I have never imagined Pakamisa Zwedala (As Cali) playing this kind of character, he is getting type-cast as the bad boy these days. Loved his portrayal of Cali. Wanda Zuma (From House of Zwide) gives out a memorable character as Patrick but I believe he could have given us more and I know very well from his previous performances that he could have dished out more. I loved the chemistry between the cast.

Menzi Mzimela’s Directing style brings the story to life with passion and energy oozing from every frame, with that being said I had hope to see more chaos throughout as we follow these wild cats, the bromance is beautiful to watch and Menzi knew exactly how to play with it, love the pace of the story .I love his directorial choices but let me be critically for a moment. If you have ever experienced a punch to the nose or seen someone, get one you wouldn’t have been sold by Sihle’s punch to Patrick, especially when he comes out of the clinic. I would have loved to see more special make-up on his nose than just a cover up. Also, his clothes didn’t even have any vomiting on them, clean as my grandmother’s church clothes. Sihle character seems like the type who doesn’t even know how to throw a proper punch could have broken his hand, covering it felt unnecessary again would have loved to see special Effect make-up on his hand.  We had some moments when continuity was off, but we can let it slide as it didn’t have an effect in the storyline.

Roll a blunt (just smoke something), grab a few beers and call a few friends to seat-back and enjoy “Kites”. If it’s not on your watch list, you better add it today. Menzi Mzimela poured out his heart onto this project.

6.5/10