Cape Town Soup

Shot prior to the FIFA World Cup 2010, Cape Town Soup stands out from the dozens other documentaries on poverty, apartheid, racism and corruption shot in the same period. The world's eyes were pointed at South Africa, wanting information. Most of what was shown was the flip side of the medal.

Cape Town Soup tries to show a neutral view, just the normal life of normal inhabitants. Everyday worries with cultural and historical baggage.

Cape Town Soup is a good example of a high grade low-budget documentary. Well edited, well humored, arty and jazzy.

Each city deserves a "Soup" documentary.

Cape Town Soup is a wonderful "colorful" film. You witness an original exciting mix of dance, art direction, documentary images and cinema. I had to think of early Antonioni with his long takes and disconnected events.

Luckily the filmmakers didn't fall into the trap of poverty porn that reduces people to defenseless creatures. All the characters are strong and very likable with their little odds. There's so much commentary in the movie subtly treated that you have to see the film again to fully understand the impact of for example Apartheid on Cape Town society. It is everywhere and nowhere, it's hardly mentioned and starts to creep on me. I can even see it in the frown a beautiful woman has permanently on her forehead. What I like is the film reminds me again how beautiful people are or can be, black or white.