Tackling head-on the cultural taboos of sexuality during a very traditional coming of age ritual in South Africa and hopefully going some way to educate and inform those who still live in the past and have yet to evolve from those traditions and beliefs.
15 Reviews
Initiation, schnititation, real manhood lies elsewhere
Shuggy7 August 2017
This film has caused controversy in South Africa because of the secrecy surrounding initiation, and it will be viewed by Xhosa very much as a hostile white man's view of the practice. There is little about the cutting (nothing is shown) but much about homophobia and bullying. It is clear that the filmmakers think (as I do) the idea that initiation makes boys into men is hollow.
It's a slow-burning drama with three central characters, Xolani ("X") a caregiver to a single initiate, Kwanda, among a group of about 10, three of whom are cared for by Vija. X has sex annually at the initiations with Vija, who is married (shades of Brokeback Mountain), but their relationship is ambiguous. Kwanda's sexuality is unclear, but coming from Johannesburg, he is more urbane than the others, and suspect for that reason. He is called a "faggot" but more as a general-purpose insult.
The initiates are all cut early on in the film; there is mention of painful herbs being applied, and infections, but not the significant risk of death. Near the end, Kwanda, who has said very little, dismisses the importance of the genital cutting (without actually denouncing it). The irony is that he _has_ matured from his experience on the mountain, but not in the way the traditionalists imagine. Another irony is that X seems to have learnt from his pupil.
What the film very much brings out is the urban-rural, traditional-modern tension in South Africa, though the setting is entirely traditional. I recommend it to urban people for a glimpse into a very different culture - that yet throws light on our own.
It's a slow-burning drama with three central characters, Xolani ("X") a caregiver to a single initiate, Kwanda, among a group of about 10, three of whom are cared for by Vija. X has sex annually at the initiations with Vija, who is married (shades of Brokeback Mountain), but their relationship is ambiguous. Kwanda's sexuality is unclear, but coming from Johannesburg, he is more urbane than the others, and suspect for that reason. He is called a "faggot" but more as a general-purpose insult.
The initiates are all cut early on in the film; there is mention of painful herbs being applied, and infections, but not the significant risk of death. Near the end, Kwanda, who has said very little, dismisses the importance of the genital cutting (without actually denouncing it). The irony is that he _has_ matured from his experience on the mountain, but not in the way the traditionalists imagine. Another irony is that X seems to have learnt from his pupil.
What the film very much brings out is the urban-rural, traditional-modern tension in South Africa, though the setting is entirely traditional. I recommend it to urban people for a glimpse into a very different culture - that yet throws light on our own.
Documentary about initiation rituals in South Africa neatly combined with same-sex relation drama. Two taboo's nicely fitting together. 2nd story line blurs a bit in the end
JvH4811 February 2017
Saw this movie at the Berlinale film festival 2017, where it was part of the Panorama section and programmed at the opening night. It has two main story lines. The first one shows the initiation rites itself. What these rituals entail is actually a taboo and details are not assumed to come out in the open, but nowadays it is less a taboo than it ever has been. Descriptions can be found in several recent books, for example one by Nelson Mandela. I consider this the documentary half of the movie. The second story line is the dramatic developments around the still dormant relationship of two men, Xolani and Vija. Their relationship existed for a long time but they lost track of each other, yet we see that it may be dormant but still partly active at the time of the initiation rites at hand. Like everywhere else in the world same-sex love is also a taboo in South Africa, but again less a taboo that is ever has been. Both plot lines come together at the remote terrain where the initiation rites will take its traditional course.
Kwanda is one of the young men to be initiated in the customs and traditions of the ancient tribes. Circumcision is part of the ritual plus a subsequent healing process under supervision of their respective caregivers. Kwanda's father asked Xolani as caregiver for Kwanda, and told him to be very strict with Kwanda as his mother had spoiled him too much. Vija is a caregiver of even three young men, who however do not play a role important enough to be mentioned by name. A particular detail about Xolani is, when passing through these rites as a young man, his experience was extra traumatic as he had no caregiver to support him, and had to cope on his own and to find out everything by himself.
In a side story line we see that Kwanda does not really blend in with the rest of the initiates. Some people explain it as simple jealousy (Kwanda wore much better shoes than the rest, his family had more money, and that he grew up in the city counts too). Others say that it is because he deviates from the rituals, for example by refusing to give a speech as we see all others do. In a later scene we see his shoes taken from him, but as he clearly takes a stand that he does not like it, he gets them back, contrary to what we see in movies with high school bullying as main topic. Later on, probably by making clear that he is able to speak out and stand up when needed, we see that he is not permanently kept away from the other initiates, but still remains not fully accepted as one of them though.
There comes a moment, about at two thirds of the running time, that the story blurs. It starts with changing focus away from the initiation rituals. We following our three main characters who see a daunting task before them to find their own way out of the situation that has grown between Xolani, Vija, and Kwanda. The latter has seen the other two in flagrant circumstances, but explicitly states that their secret is safe with him. Vija apparently does not trust him with their secret and chases Kwanda in the woods. From this moment on, each of the threesome faces his own problems how to deal with the outside world when returning from the initiation camp. And each has to find his own way out, which is the central theme of the last one third of the movie.
From the final Q&A I noted some pieces of information about South Africa without verification, yet relevant for the above. Their national constitution is very liberal and has no problems with same-sex relationships, even to the extent that South Africa was the third country in the world to allow same-sex marriages, long before it became mainstream in the Western countries. Roughly speaking, in some parts of the larger cities, same-sex relationships are more or less "normal", as far as normal goes when ample people have problems with its existence in the first place. On the other hand, in other parts of the same cities, it is not accepted at all, nor is it tolerated outside the big cities.
All in all, the above is presented in an informative as well as compelling way. The movie is partly a documentary and partly taking a stand on same-sex relationships packaged in a coherent story. As far as the documentary is concerned, rest assured that the fine details of the circumcision are suggested rather than shown, so there is virtually no blood in the movie other than with some inevitable fights with so many men together. The dramatic developments around the same-sex relationship between Xolani and Vija are shown in more detail on two occasions, but it does not dominate the screenplay at all. The predetermined setup of having two story lines, documentary next to a same-sex relationship drama, was confirmed in the final Q&A by the film makers. As said before, informative as well as compelling, thus a perfect way to open the Panaroma section of the Berlinale 2017.
Kwanda is one of the young men to be initiated in the customs and traditions of the ancient tribes. Circumcision is part of the ritual plus a subsequent healing process under supervision of their respective caregivers. Kwanda's father asked Xolani as caregiver for Kwanda, and told him to be very strict with Kwanda as his mother had spoiled him too much. Vija is a caregiver of even three young men, who however do not play a role important enough to be mentioned by name. A particular detail about Xolani is, when passing through these rites as a young man, his experience was extra traumatic as he had no caregiver to support him, and had to cope on his own and to find out everything by himself.
In a side story line we see that Kwanda does not really blend in with the rest of the initiates. Some people explain it as simple jealousy (Kwanda wore much better shoes than the rest, his family had more money, and that he grew up in the city counts too). Others say that it is because he deviates from the rituals, for example by refusing to give a speech as we see all others do. In a later scene we see his shoes taken from him, but as he clearly takes a stand that he does not like it, he gets them back, contrary to what we see in movies with high school bullying as main topic. Later on, probably by making clear that he is able to speak out and stand up when needed, we see that he is not permanently kept away from the other initiates, but still remains not fully accepted as one of them though.
There comes a moment, about at two thirds of the running time, that the story blurs. It starts with changing focus away from the initiation rituals. We following our three main characters who see a daunting task before them to find their own way out of the situation that has grown between Xolani, Vija, and Kwanda. The latter has seen the other two in flagrant circumstances, but explicitly states that their secret is safe with him. Vija apparently does not trust him with their secret and chases Kwanda in the woods. From this moment on, each of the threesome faces his own problems how to deal with the outside world when returning from the initiation camp. And each has to find his own way out, which is the central theme of the last one third of the movie.
From the final Q&A I noted some pieces of information about South Africa without verification, yet relevant for the above. Their national constitution is very liberal and has no problems with same-sex relationships, even to the extent that South Africa was the third country in the world to allow same-sex marriages, long before it became mainstream in the Western countries. Roughly speaking, in some parts of the larger cities, same-sex relationships are more or less "normal", as far as normal goes when ample people have problems with its existence in the first place. On the other hand, in other parts of the same cities, it is not accepted at all, nor is it tolerated outside the big cities.
All in all, the above is presented in an informative as well as compelling way. The movie is partly a documentary and partly taking a stand on same-sex relationships packaged in a coherent story. As far as the documentary is concerned, rest assured that the fine details of the circumcision are suggested rather than shown, so there is virtually no blood in the movie other than with some inevitable fights with so many men together. The dramatic developments around the same-sex relationship between Xolani and Vija are shown in more detail on two occasions, but it does not dominate the screenplay at all. The predetermined setup of having two story lines, documentary next to a same-sex relationship drama, was confirmed in the final Q&A by the film makers. As said before, informative as well as compelling, thus a perfect way to open the Panaroma section of the Berlinale 2017.
A Simple Tradition
tributarystu10 February 2017
A South African film was on show for the opening night of the Berlinale. Directed by John Trengove, it's the story of Xolani, set against the backdrop of a local circumcision initiation ritual. Barely had I settled into my seat, that penises were being sliced up at the edge of a forest, in ad-hoc conditions. So, yeah, it caught my attention.
The whole story though finds itself at an interesting intersection between tradition, homosexuality and validation. For Xolani, who otherwise works in the city, it's the yearly return 'in the mountains', to meet Vija, the man he loves. For Kwanda, Xolani's initiate, it's the pressure to conform with alpha male stereotypes. For most of the other participants, it's a last stand in the face of modern turpitude, both a rite of passage into manhood and a rite of separation from the others.
The first half or so of the movie, which sets the scene and introduces the characters, is almost fascinating. With strong acting all around, it's easy to get sucked into the experience and what's even more impressive, is the manner in which Trengove infuses such sensibility in something that otherwise could count as butch. The contrasting personalities are wrought with tension, culminating in some beautiful moments of just being. It all comes to life thanks to commanding craftsmanship and an eye for strong visuals, which is one consistent feature throughout.
Unfortunately, the latter part of the film elects to go for a more traditional exposition and resolution, with uneven pacing. What's worse though is the characters losing some of their sharpness, especially in scenes where they are turned into mere rhetoric tools. By the time the finale came around, I felt waywardly uninvolved. It's like the need for relevance and clarity became overbearing.
All things considered, The Wound stands as a film that, at its best, conveys a unique poetic restraint. It might not shine all the way through, yet it provides insight into a corner of the world that's usually left in the dark, tackling some big themes on the way. I would never want to fault someone for being too ambitious, so The Wound gets my recommendation.
The whole story though finds itself at an interesting intersection between tradition, homosexuality and validation. For Xolani, who otherwise works in the city, it's the yearly return 'in the mountains', to meet Vija, the man he loves. For Kwanda, Xolani's initiate, it's the pressure to conform with alpha male stereotypes. For most of the other participants, it's a last stand in the face of modern turpitude, both a rite of passage into manhood and a rite of separation from the others.
The first half or so of the movie, which sets the scene and introduces the characters, is almost fascinating. With strong acting all around, it's easy to get sucked into the experience and what's even more impressive, is the manner in which Trengove infuses such sensibility in something that otherwise could count as butch. The contrasting personalities are wrought with tension, culminating in some beautiful moments of just being. It all comes to life thanks to commanding craftsmanship and an eye for strong visuals, which is one consistent feature throughout.
Unfortunately, the latter part of the film elects to go for a more traditional exposition and resolution, with uneven pacing. What's worse though is the characters losing some of their sharpness, especially in scenes where they are turned into mere rhetoric tools. By the time the finale came around, I felt waywardly uninvolved. It's like the need for relevance and clarity became overbearing.
All things considered, The Wound stands as a film that, at its best, conveys a unique poetic restraint. It might not shine all the way through, yet it provides insight into a corner of the world that's usually left in the dark, tackling some big themes on the way. I would never want to fault someone for being too ambitious, so The Wound gets my recommendation.
Highly impressive
Red_Identity11 February 2018
I did not know what to expect from this, but what I got really impressed me. THE cultural context in which the film is told is definitely a unique one, and the questions it poses and addresses regarding manhood, sexuality, and the process of maturity all bring to life vivid details and portrayals of the lives of these individuals. The performances are in particular strong, and the cinematography simply stunning. This is a highly recommended film that has significance in the way many films of this genre have, like last year's Moonlight.
A bit overlong but pretty good in spite of this.
planktonrules27 October 2017
While "The Wound" deals with very important subject matters, it does suffer a bit from being overlong and occasionally losing focus because of this.
One thing not mentioned in the film is that South Africa has the highest HIV infection rate in the world...with a lot of misinformation as well. I've spent about a month or more there and love the country...but know they have to face up to their HIV problem much more seriously. So, this makes the story MUCH more important and timely.
The story is set at an initiation camp where Xhosa boys are initiated into manhood. In addition to a circumcision (owch!), these teens go through many days of training and initiation. The story primarily focuses on Xolani, a man designated a 'caretaker' over a city boy brought to toughen him up and get him in touch with his roots. But Xolani hides a secret...he's not so much there because he loves helping with the ceremonies...he's there for Vija, another caretaker who he's in love with and keeps this a secret. This is because Vija is married to a woman and has kids...and he hides his homosexual relationship with Xolani. But the young man being initiated realizes that Xolani and Vija are in love and makes the mistake of talking to Xolani about this.
Much of the film is about masculinity and how some perceive that masculinity equates to being straight. There is no room in this initiation for homosexuality...and this is interesting. But, as I said above, the film often goes off in other directions and doesn't hone in often enough on this. Worth seeing but it isn't as strong a message as it could have been.
One thing not mentioned in the film is that South Africa has the highest HIV infection rate in the world...with a lot of misinformation as well. I've spent about a month or more there and love the country...but know they have to face up to their HIV problem much more seriously. So, this makes the story MUCH more important and timely.
The story is set at an initiation camp where Xhosa boys are initiated into manhood. In addition to a circumcision (owch!), these teens go through many days of training and initiation. The story primarily focuses on Xolani, a man designated a 'caretaker' over a city boy brought to toughen him up and get him in touch with his roots. But Xolani hides a secret...he's not so much there because he loves helping with the ceremonies...he's there for Vija, another caretaker who he's in love with and keeps this a secret. This is because Vija is married to a woman and has kids...and he hides his homosexual relationship with Xolani. But the young man being initiated realizes that Xolani and Vija are in love and makes the mistake of talking to Xolani about this.
Much of the film is about masculinity and how some perceive that masculinity equates to being straight. There is no room in this initiation for homosexuality...and this is interesting. But, as I said above, the film often goes off in other directions and doesn't hone in often enough on this. Worth seeing but it isn't as strong a message as it could have been.
Many important issues in one story
Evil_Herbivore22 August 2018
At the first glance The Wound looks like a movie about the Xhosa tradition concerning initiating boys into manhood: they go into the mountains to experience genital cutting. And while it is and interesting look into this custom which I knew very little about and which I found both fascinating and deeply disturbing. it is also much more.
The movie touches on a number of important issues. We see a taboo homosexual relationship in a deeply homophobic environment and the way that gay people deal with living in such a culture. We see the conflict between the old ways represented by people insisting on carrying on the traditional initiation and the new ways of city life and assimilation into white culture. We see a story about growing up and becoming a man, even if the notion of manhood isn't understood in a traditional way.
The story is carried mostly visually as there isn't a lot of dialogue in the movie. In my opinion, this fits the story perfectly, as men traditionally aren't meant to talk about their feelings. It also means that the actors must convey the character's emotions through facial expressions and gestures, and they do a really good job, creating completely believable character.
All in all, I would say that The Wound is a solid piece of filmmaking, touching important contemporary problems. It may be too slow for some, but for me the pacing and the limited amount of dialogue are perfect of such a story.
The movie touches on a number of important issues. We see a taboo homosexual relationship in a deeply homophobic environment and the way that gay people deal with living in such a culture. We see the conflict between the old ways represented by people insisting on carrying on the traditional initiation and the new ways of city life and assimilation into white culture. We see a story about growing up and becoming a man, even if the notion of manhood isn't understood in a traditional way.
The story is carried mostly visually as there isn't a lot of dialogue in the movie. In my opinion, this fits the story perfectly, as men traditionally aren't meant to talk about their feelings. It also means that the actors must convey the character's emotions through facial expressions and gestures, and they do a really good job, creating completely believable character.
All in all, I would say that The Wound is a solid piece of filmmaking, touching important contemporary problems. It may be too slow for some, but for me the pacing and the limited amount of dialogue are perfect of such a story.
Beautiful Film That Tackles LGBT themes with an African Lense
champjohnson2919 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I was just searching through Netflix trying to find a film to watch, specifically an LGBT film. I was suprised when I read the brief description that it was set in South Africa. Xhosa is the language they spokr in Black Panther so I was even more intrigued.
I thought the story was beautiful. The main character Xolani is a "caregiver" aiding a young man into Manhood yet he's still struggling with his own manhood because he hasnt fully accepted his sexuality or confronted the toxic relationship he has with childhood friend, Vija. Having the backdrop br about a sacred Xhosa tradition of manhood helped the story tremendously. Combatting old ways/tradition with more progressive/tolerant views for the present day.
I thought the acting was good and it was written very well. The way the story progressed had me intrigued from beginning to end. The cinematography was BEAUTIFUL, but when your locations are in Africa i expected nothing less. Overall, it was refreshing to see an LGBT story set in a foreign country where I didnt even think these types of films existed. A must watch!
I thought the story was beautiful. The main character Xolani is a "caregiver" aiding a young man into Manhood yet he's still struggling with his own manhood because he hasnt fully accepted his sexuality or confronted the toxic relationship he has with childhood friend, Vija. Having the backdrop br about a sacred Xhosa tradition of manhood helped the story tremendously. Combatting old ways/tradition with more progressive/tolerant views for the present day.
I thought the acting was good and it was written very well. The way the story progressed had me intrigued from beginning to end. The cinematography was BEAUTIFUL, but when your locations are in Africa i expected nothing less. Overall, it was refreshing to see an LGBT story set in a foreign country where I didnt even think these types of films existed. A must watch!
Outstanding
georgegrimes8 May 2022
Firstly the film was an education for me as I hadn't appreciated the ritual of male circumcision in African culture. Secondly the film has a good tale with a plausible, if a somewhat uncomfortable ending. The photography is excellent along with the styling. I can't quite believe all the actors and extras were organised considering the script. That's a triumph. The direction and edit to "suggest" in many scenes and not to be photographically explicit is well skilled and opens up the film to a broader audience.
How Bad is Bad
pietclausen5 April 2018
Living in South Africa, where this film was shot and after release in local cinemas, banned on demand from a certain section of the public, then rerated to xx18 on appeal, still meant it couldn't be shown in general cinemas. After the matter was taken to court it was rated x18 and approved for viewing in cinemas again.
This obviously created a lot of publicity and because the movie dealt with initiation and circumcision, a custom among the indigenous population in secret camps, little was known about this practice. I went to see it for this reason.
What a disappointment! A poor production, bad acting with nothing of substance. No wonder this movie got nowhere at overseas film festivals where it was first shown. Perhaps it was meant to be an art film, but that theme failed as well.
Go and see it at your own peril and decide for yourself.
This obviously created a lot of publicity and because the movie dealt with initiation and circumcision, a custom among the indigenous population in secret camps, little was known about this practice. I went to see it for this reason.
What a disappointment! A poor production, bad acting with nothing of substance. No wonder this movie got nowhere at overseas film festivals where it was first shown. Perhaps it was meant to be an art film, but that theme failed as well.
Go and see it at your own peril and decide for yourself.
Powerful Drama: Culture Collision
phec0416 April 2018
"The Wound" feels like a documentary. I looked it up on IMDB to be sure it wasn't. Tribal coming of age for males, gay love, elder denial, useless cruelty...it's all in this powerful story.
As violent as it often is, it's a film worth watching for its honest treatment of ancient stories. A true remedy for vacuous films coming out of Hollywood.
Sharp Cuts and Deeper Emotions
natmavila17 January 2024
Ah, "The Wound"! This gem from 2017 is the kind of movie that sneaks up on you like a ninja in fluffy slippers. Let's be real, I expected a standard drama, but boy, was I in for a surprise! It's like going for a handshake and getting a hug from a cactus - weirdly pleasant in a prickly sort of way.
Set against the backdrop of South Africa's Xhosa culture, this film is as subtle as a sledgehammer in a library. It's all about male circumcision - yikes, right? But hold your horses, it's not a medical documentary. It's a stirring tale of love, masculinity, and cultural clashes that makes you question your own life choices.
The performances are so raw, you could serve them on a platter at a sushi restaurant. Nakhane Touré, as the lead, brings more layers to his character than an onion wearing a winter coat. And the cinematography? Stunning. It's like the camera is flirting with the landscape. If this movie were a person, it would be that mysterious, brooding poet at the party who knows way too much about bird calls. In short, "The Wound" is a beautifully crafted, emotionally gripping film that deserves all the stars, minus half for making me feel emotions I didn't know I had. Bravo!
Set against the backdrop of South Africa's Xhosa culture, this film is as subtle as a sledgehammer in a library. It's all about male circumcision - yikes, right? But hold your horses, it's not a medical documentary. It's a stirring tale of love, masculinity, and cultural clashes that makes you question your own life choices.
The performances are so raw, you could serve them on a platter at a sushi restaurant. Nakhane Touré, as the lead, brings more layers to his character than an onion wearing a winter coat. And the cinematography? Stunning. It's like the camera is flirting with the landscape. If this movie were a person, it would be that mysterious, brooding poet at the party who knows way too much about bird calls. In short, "The Wound" is a beautifully crafted, emotionally gripping film that deserves all the stars, minus half for making me feel emotions I didn't know I had. Bravo!
Lacks substance
dwangu20 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This movie left me empty with noting to takeaway from it.
So a bunch of initiates gather up in the mountains for the traditional Xhosa initiation ceremony, then two of the ingcibis (teachers) reveal their homosexual inclinations towards each other. Its revealed this has been going on for years but that's basically it. They get caught, chase the initiate who caught them and presumably kill him and then that's the end.
I was so disappointed as I was misled to believe this delves into the whole tradition, or perhaps I misled myself by following media hype over this movie.
Good going until the end
piste-cruiser23 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
South African drama about a gay young man Kwanda who gets initiated into a mountain camp by his father to toughen him up. He gets assigned to Xilobi another closeted gay man who is having a secret romance with another called Vija. Complications arise between the three.
The story is engaging and promising enough until the end when Kwanda stumbles onto the other two having sex. Xilobi leads him to the edge of a cliff and pushes him off.
I fail to see what this story is trying to prove or convey. I guess it's down to personal taste as I have a particular loathing of bad endings or stories that end in violent death when the makers could easily have opted for a very different outcome.
The DVD (which I am glad to say I rented rather than bought) also includes an interview with director John Trengove who fails to explain why he opted for such a sick and twisted ending. One film I will never be watching again.
The story is engaging and promising enough until the end when Kwanda stumbles onto the other two having sex. Xilobi leads him to the edge of a cliff and pushes him off.
I fail to see what this story is trying to prove or convey. I guess it's down to personal taste as I have a particular loathing of bad endings or stories that end in violent death when the makers could easily have opted for a very different outcome.
The DVD (which I am glad to say I rented rather than bought) also includes an interview with director John Trengove who fails to explain why he opted for such a sick and twisted ending. One film I will never be watching again.
Braveheart
ricayafrica8 January 2024
Xolani, a South African factory hand of palpable aloneness, leaves the city, as he does each year, bound for the mountainous isolation of the Eastern Cape and an all-male circumcision ceremony. South Africa's answer to Brokeback Mountain, there is a lot to appreciate and learn from this film. Primarily concerning itself with differing notions of masculinity ... The Wound also shows out with its trio of vulnerable, expressive performances. A fascinating world through which to examine the deep fragility of masculinity, and it does so with great emotional economy thanks to a strong central performance Touré. The agile camerawork, dexterous storytelling, and competent performances helped define the psychological conflicts of the characters.
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