As a cinema devotee with a penchant for gritty, raw, and unapologetically authentic dramas, I find myself utterly captivated by Liese Kuhn’s directorial debut, Seconds. Having spent countless hours immersed in the world of boxing, both on-screen and off, I can say with certainty that this film strikes a chord deep within my cinematic soul.
This downbeat, realistic, and brutal boxing crime drama stands out for its powerful acting and clever script.
The series, titled “Seconds,” follows Seconds Khumalo, a seasoned boxer nearing his final major fight, in a gripping crime drama. The story unfolds in the East Rand of Johannesburg. Due to binding agreements, Khumalo must adhere to the demands of a tough-as-nails family whose boxing management business has been handed over to an underprepared 32-year-old, who’s more of a spoiled daddy’s boy than a seasoned professional. When the family senses their unspoken contract might be breached, they choose to take matters into their own hands.
The movie titled “Seconds” paints a raw and harsh picture of a troubled neighborhood, populated by tough individuals who find solace in boxing to get by. It establishes a ruthless survival setting, as Liese Kuhn skillfully constructs an atmospheric backdrop that mirrors the struggles of a boxer battling his inner demons throughout his career.
In a striking first directorial effort by Kuhn, the film “Seconds” is relatively low-budget. It effectively uses its limited resources, focusing on character development and offering a captivating acting exhibition, while delving deep into the murky world of sports, exploring its shadowy aspects.
In the seedy underbelly of crime, an honorable man struggles to stay afloat amidst the chaos, aiming to escape unscathed. Boasting a talented cast from the region, it’s no surprise that the movie garnered multiple acting nominations at this year’s SAFTAs, spearheaded by a SAFTA-winning performance from Vusi Kunene and a supporting win for the late Adrian Alper. Mmabatho Mogomotsi also received a nomination for her stellar role.
As I watched this film unfold, I found myself captivated by the uncanny parallel between the veteran actor and his on-screen character. Having navigated the cutthroat world of acting for years, Kunene masterfully portrays the weary gaze hidden behind his character’s eyes – a seasoned traveler who has seen it all. By day, he wields a different kind of blade as a butcher, and by night, he channels the character’s history through his very bones, delivering an authentic and layered performance that is nothing short of riveting. Kunene’s commitment to his craft is evident in every scene, making for a strong casting decision that I believe will not be soon forgotten.
Carel Nel provides solid support, showcasing his reliability through his intense portrayal of Jerry van Tonder, creating a gritty and vivid image. In a way that makes it seem like he was born for the role, Tony Caprari delivers an authentic performance as Pa van Tonder, infusing the character with a strong sense of documentary realism.
“Try me. I dare you.”
Eventually, it’s Adrian Alper who steals the limelight with his captivating, lively, and cunning portrayal of Bambi, earning him an outstanding supporting role award. This impressive performance marks a fitting end to his distinguished career. Lastly, Mmabatho Mogomotsi breaks through the harsh masculinity and gloomy setting with her more optimistic interpretation as Sunshine. She beautifully conveys innocence, hope, and a sense of lightness in an otherwise dark story.
As a cinephile, I find myself drawn to the raw and genuine feel of “Seconds.” Filmed on location with a natural lighting approach, it exudes a docu-realism that heightens its authenticity. The urgency and unpredictability of each scene are palpable, giving off an air of spontaneity that keeps you hooked. The characters in this film are far from perfect, often brimming with cantankerousness – their complexities adding to the suspense as tensions build.
This method focuses on intensifying the dialogue and acting, and to its advantage, the film “Seconds” understands its boundaries, skillfully utilizing the strength of its stark script and intense performances. The concept here is restraint, and “Seconds” manages to evoke strong emotions and a sense of impending dread through building tension, making this boxing crime drama more impactful. Although the realism adds depth to the narrative and characters, the somber tone and desaturation of color might not resonate with mainstream audiences.
In the film ‘Seconds’, it delivers an intense, brooding ambiance that drives the narrative, but may fall short when it comes to contemporary expectations for visual spectacle. Despite working within a limited budget, this movie surpasses its financial limitations in terms of overall quality. It maintains a subtle approach, which necessitates some compromises in the realm of docu-realism. This method lends an air of authenticity to the actors’ performances, but it may diminish the film’s visual allure.
The movie Seconds shines with a multitude of standout performances that surpass some personal bests, and the script reinforces this impression. Although Seconds might not be visually spectacular, it has depth and substance – a significant player that knows how to throw a punch, even if it’s a bit somber. This thoughtful feature film, in the genre of crime drama, is inspiring due to its skillful management of resources and should be used as a model for creating a respectable and meaningful film without needing to resort to extravagant spending or illegal methods.
The bottom line: Gritty
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2024-11-12 18:44