An effective, unglamorous drama about the notorious Numbers gangs which hold much sway in many communities on the Cape Flats of Cape Town. The plot does seem to be a little aimless for a while, but it's bought together by the end even if the final twist of the story feels a little too much. The script is what lets the film down - it's too often too expositional of both content and plot, and pains to explain too much to outsiders. That's understandable, but it does mean that some of what comes out of the characters' mouths feels forced and unnatural, which sets it at odds with a film that is in many other respects immersed in local culture (especially the excellent soundtrack). There are some excellent directorial moments and some really powerful cinematography that manages to do more than the reams of expositional dialogue. In the end, it does feel authentic - I've met people for whom this context is their everyday reality, and these are the communities my children are originally from; it's clearly a film that knows its territory and is keen to do justice to the local stories without glamorising or sensationalizing such potent material. It just remains a shame that the script hampers it too much.
5 Reviews
Four Corners (2013)
Errington_928 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Four Corners offers nothing new for the gangster genre. An impressionable youth verging towards a life of crime, a reforming criminal attempting to right his wrongs and a serial murder investigation intertwine in this cliché ridden narrative.
Those who enjoy gangster films might not think twice about Four Corners being generic to its genre. Yet they might not forgive Four Corners for its disjointed approach to narrative, as it verges between stories which usually felt disconnected from the overall narrative and leads to viewer dissatisfaction.
Adding to this, Four Corners' characterisation is weak. The characters were stereotyped or had little substance. This applies especially to Ricardo. How can we as the audience expect to ponder Ricardo's plight if we are offered little insight into why he switches between a chess player and wannabe gang banger. These flaws make Four Corners monotonous viewing.
Those who enjoy gangster films might not think twice about Four Corners being generic to its genre. Yet they might not forgive Four Corners for its disjointed approach to narrative, as it verges between stories which usually felt disconnected from the overall narrative and leads to viewer dissatisfaction.
Adding to this, Four Corners' characterisation is weak. The characters were stereotyped or had little substance. This applies especially to Ricardo. How can we as the audience expect to ponder Ricardo's plight if we are offered little insight into why he switches between a chess player and wannabe gang banger. These flaws make Four Corners monotonous viewing.
This film shows the gang and war life of the Cape Flats. We see opposing gang groups namely the 26 and the 28, with a score to settle..things turn a bit sour.
makgetlanb22 March 2015
A young sovereign chess player Ricardo Galam born and raised in a community surrounded by violence and war of the Cape flats between two gangs, the 28 and 26. Raised by his grandmother with an unknown father who is released from prison and decides to start living a gang free life, turns his back on the 28 gang. Curiosity got the better of Ricardo and he ended joining the forces of the 26 gangs, got groomed by the commando of the group but like chess, life is about making choices and making a move, making a move determines the outcome.
For a low budgeted film, it turned out very well.With cliché moments here and there but surprises the view where they least expect it.
For a low budgeted film, it turned out very well.With cliché moments here and there but surprises the view where they least expect it.
Authentic and Unnerving
ljtheijob28 April 2014
To see this amount of research done, making it so authentic was astounding.
Yes, the locations might not be correct all the time, but the story came across beautifully. The truthfulness is almost nauseating and the accents and dialects are unnerving.
For a low budget movie, this can compete with big budget blockbusters and can and will surpass even some.
The acting was spot on and the casting was perfect.
The director and producer worked very well together and did a great job even though their time was limited as well as their budget.
Proud moment for me as a South African to see something like this.
Yes, the locations might not be correct all the time, but the story came across beautifully. The truthfulness is almost nauseating and the accents and dialects are unnerving.
For a low budget movie, this can compete with big budget blockbusters and can and will surpass even some.
The acting was spot on and the casting was perfect.
The director and producer worked very well together and did a great job even though their time was limited as well as their budget.
Proud moment for me as a South African to see something like this.
This makes me want to read the book.
ZeddKayy23 November 2018
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