329. Beyond The River; movie review

BEYOND THE RIVER
Cert 12A
113 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate threat, drugs misuse

I have been saddened in recent times to hear of more extreme policies being implemented by the Government in South Africa.
I visited the country in the early 2000s and marvelled at how the people had managed the incredibly tricky transition from apartheid.
Such a recovery had to be led by forward-thinkers who recognised that revenge should not be a prime motive.
Consequently, Mandela's South Africa did not turn into a basket case like Mugabe's Zimbabwe.
Unfortunately, there have been many backward steps since Mandela's death but films such as Beyond The River demonstrate a desire to work together to overcome obstacles.
Craig Freimond's film tells the story of two men from very different backgrounds, united by their desire to win gold in one of the world's toughest river races - the Dusi Canoe Marathon.
It stars Lemogang Tsipa as Duma - a young man yearning to escape the grinding poverty of township life in Soweto in order "to be someone."
His unlikely partner, Steve (Grant Swanby), is a former champion who is struggling with the demons which have shrouded him since a family tragedy.
Beyond The River shows that there is still considerable inequality in South Africa.
Duma lives in a shack with his father and sister and is tempted towards crime by his erratic best friend (Kgosi Mongake).
Meanwhile, Steve lives in a leafy suburb with iron gates to keep out potential robbers.
However, books should never be judged by covers and both men have emotional barriers to break down and, only once they do, can they become a team.
The tale of Duma and Steve may seem a tad far-fetched and its conclusion a bit neat but it is based on a true story which had a very similar denouement.
It provokes deep thought about life's priorities and leaves its audience with a warm glow.

Reasons to watch: A stirring tale against adversity
Reasons to avoid: Resolutions are too simple in parts

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7.5/10

Did you know? The Dusi Canoe Marathon was founded in 1951 and covers roughly 120km between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, on the East Coast of South Africa. It is the biggest canoeing event on the African continent and one of the world’s most popular river marathons, attracting between 900 and 1,600 paddlers each year.

Final word. Grant Swanby: " I grew up in Durban. I’ve been familiar with the Dusi since I was a child, so it was wonderful for me to be part of this. Towards the end of the film, there’s a beautiful shot where the camera lifts up and you can see where I grew up in Durban. It definitely made me proud to come from this part of the world." Getaway

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