By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Mark Dornford-May
Starring: Andile Tshoni | Lungelwa Blou | Pauline Malefane
Country: south_africa
Year: 2007
Running time: 120
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365938/combined
Michael says: “There have been many film versions of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, but U-CARMEN EKHAYELITSHA must certainly be one of the most vivid, enthralling, and satisfying to date. Director Dornford-May first presented this African Carmen on stage with the Dimpho Di Kopane lyric theatre company. This inspired film adaptation uses the same players and integrates life in the South African township of Khayelitsha to grand effect.
“Pauline Malefane is the true power of this film. Her Carmen works in a cigarette factory, where she reigns supreme, defying convention when it comes to love and romance. The target of her affections is a local police officer engaged to another woman. Their tempestuous love affair can only end in tragedy. Malefane’s first appearance onscreen is to sing one of her most famous arias. I was spellbound, and filled with the emotion that thrilling music can convey as Malefane sashayed boldly across the screen; her glorious voice powering the ‘Habanera’ in the African dialect of Xhosa, with its clicks and whistles complete. Her confidence and talent elevate this Carmen to stupendous heights. This is one film that you won’t want to miss if it makes it to the States. 4 1/2 cats.”