Tsotsi

In the film Tsotsi, music and sound are used to intensify the feeling of the events that take place. Music is an important part of the South African culture and shows their unique linguistic mixture. Throughout the film, Tsotsi is always walking or running somewhere and the energy of the music sets the tone for the actions of the characters. Sound is significant as it sets the mood and helps transition scenes, such as the sound of the baby crying endlessly. The crying baby becomes music and also is followed up with more music trying to overpower the cries, which can not because of the strength and symbolic meaning of a child's helpless cries. The sound and music link past and present and help the audience to get a deeper look into what is going on internally for Tsotsi.

Another South African movie that I would recommend watching is Boy Called Twist.

The story is about one street kid's journey through the hardships of his reality. 

It is based on Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist.

Interesting Special Effect

The film, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 

is filled with special effects. These effects captivate the audience and bring a surreal feel to the drama/action/romance by having the characters not only push the limits of human capability, 

but also defy the laws of gravity. 

Whale Rider

Whale Rider is a Maori traditional tale of Paikea and the whale riding legend. Director Niki Caro brought the vision of this story to life. It doesn't fall flat in any way. This film is an accurate representation of the Māoritanga and of the time period, 2002 New Zealand. The film elements, including camera angles, transitions, special effects, editing, and narration, construct the feel of the scene. Whale Rider is a very impactful story, full of the beliefs and values of a culture. This film shows a people who have struggled with strengthening and reviving their identity and are trying to hold on to traditions, customs, and beliefs. The film reflects the vision of Witi Ihimaera, author of the book, and Niki Caro, director of the film, and touches on issues of gender and breaking tradition. These are issues that many cultures around the world face. Unfortunately, many societies remain male-centric. Even in some cultures in which women previously held power and important roles, these seem to be downplayed by androcentric views throughout history. That is one great aspect about this film, it tells the story of a natural-born leader who is just drawn to her place in this world. She was unable to fight her true calling.

Interesting Transition

 

I thought that the transitions in this clip were interesting due to the number of transitions and the speed in which they occur. Beginning with them on the boat, you see the almost dizzying camera angles that introduce us to the main land, then it transitions to them getting out of a taxi and arriving at the hotel.

Symbolism of Water

The film The Road Home was full of symbolism.
Water, can be viewed as a symbol of life and connectivity. In the film, water was a way for Zhao Di to connect with Luo Changyu throughout life. Water is often symbolic of journey, meditation, and the afterlife. In certain cultures when a person dies, there is a journey that they take across the water. As for this movie, Di's husband was laid to rest near the water well. Water can stand still, it can flow away, it can dry up or evaporate. Water takes on many forms and follows many paths, but it is and has been the great sustainer of life and spirit. 

Interesting Movement

This clip from 1408 is an example of continuity editing. It uses zooms, while it cuts back and forth, like ping-pong between the two figures. Lighting was used for a dramatic effect when the more distant image illuminated himself.