One of the best queer films of the last decade. Destined to be on everyone's list of "Essential films for queer viewers."
"The Namibian war of independence, also known as the Angolan bush war, and sometimes denoted in South Africa as the South African border war, was a largely asymmetric conflict that occurred in Namibia (then South West Africa), Zambia, and Angola from 26 August 1966 to 21 March 1990. It was fought between the South African Defence Force (SADF) and the People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), an armed wing of the South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO). The South African Border War resulted in some of the largest battles on the African continent since World War II and was closely intertwined with the Angolan Civil War..." [Wikipedia]
"The story that is told, ... is a powerful piece of cinema. The director’s choices of what to show to compensate for the incidental nature of the dialogue is flawless. Brummer was able to portray deep wounds without appearing weak. It’s a beautiful movie to look at whose visual polish still feels realistic. Particularly the soundtrack is a triumph going from sinister thrusting cellos that promise no happy endings, through to baroque organs operatically played for dramatic high points and a slightly porny 70s disco funk that surrounded the brief kissing scenes. Even though this film is stripped to the essentials it delivers on all the senses." [QueerGuru]
"Here's to the survivors of that war and of Ward 22...and, here's to the dead on both sides. It's time for your stories to be told...Christiaan Olwagen's [exceptional] Canary brought South Africa's contemporary history to a new audience. Oliver Hermanus continues the story...two very different films, different voices...both, mighty fine films of the same inexhaustible story.
Easily, one of the best films to come out of 2019." [CGiii]
+3/4 Review: CGiii [Anderson Cutler] RECOMMENDED +3½/5 Review: Gay Essential (Alistair Ryder) +8 Review: QueerGuru [Andrew Hebden March 4th, 2020] + Review: Variety (GUY LODGE SEPTEMBER 5, 2019) South Afica Border War: Wikipedia [1966 - 1990] Kanarie (Canary): Another twist on the South African Border Wars and the South Africa Defense Forces Moffie Home 