Movie Review: Old Righteous Blues

by

This realistic drama is powered by strong performances and a heartfelt story reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, set in a small town.

The drama Old Righteous Blues takes place in Robertson and focuses on the town’s Christmas marching bands, a beloved tradition dating back to 1947. Initially, writer Carol Shore planned to create a documentary, but she discovered a decades-old rivalry between the bands – a conflict over both competition and musical tastes – and decided a fictional story would be more compelling.

Hantjie is a young man determined to become a drum major, but he faces challenges both within himself and in his divided community. Things get even more complicated when he falls in love with Risi, whose father leads the opposing group. Their romance adds heartfelt emotion to this realistic story about music, history, and the traditions of their town.

Muneera Sallies’ film was shot on location in South Africa’s Winelands, and a commitment to authenticity is central to its creation. Many people from the local Robertson community helped with the choreography and music, making sure everything felt genuine. This dedication adds to the film’s realism and makes the emotional story feel more connected to a vibrant, believable world. The filmmakers also carefully used local language and expressions to further root the characters and their culture in this setting.

Ayden Croy gives a moving performance as Hantjie, perfectly portraying the struggles and self-discovery of youth in a restrictive environment. He’s joined by Megan Saayman, and their on-screen connection feels genuine and romantic. Newcomer Joshwin Dyson delivers a compelling performance as Elvin, effectively playing off Croy. The film also benefits from the talents of seasoned South African actors like Kevin Smith, Simon Bruinders, Euodia Sampson, and Ivan Abrahams, who create a natural feel alongside the professional cast and local extras.

“Play it again… with heart.”

Director Muneera Sallies skillfully brings this story to life, guiding strong performances from her experienced actors and seamlessly blending all the film’s elements. It maintains a realistic, documentary-style feel, staying true to its original concept, and delivers a sincere, well-crafted narrative powered by genuine dance sequences and striking visuals.

Old Righteous Blues tells a moving story, following the troubled relationship of Hantjie and Risi against the backdrop of competitive and structured marching bands. Though a powerful and dramatic film, it could have benefited from a few lighter, more humorous moments to balance the serious tone and add depth.

Chosen as South Africa’s submission for the Best International Feature Film award, Old Righteous Blues is a lively and captivating drama. It realistically portrays a local disagreement through believable characters. The film offers a compelling look at the art and culture of Robertson, and thoughtfully documents a cherished, enduring tradition.

The bottom line: Authentic

Read More

2026-03-17 22:43