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Roepman

What it's about:

Roepman tells the story of a 1966 railway community told through the eyes of an 11-year-old boy called Timus (Paul Loots). Timus and his family are trapped within the structural violence caused by the government and the church at the time. An unlikely hero, Joon (John-Henry Opperman) often appears to save Timus when he's in trouble. These acts of kindness are seen by Timus as miracles. Timus tells the story of Joon, his own coming of age and loss of innocence, and how Joon tries to give a little of that lost innocence back to Timus.

What we thought:


From the get-go Roepman makes you feel like a child again, especially the growing up part... remember that? Let me refresh your memory: it's exciting and familiar, but at the same time uncomfortable and awkward. It's feeling everything at once... love, hate, joy, sadness... which led me to the conclusion that Roepman is essentially a story about life.

Based on the Jan van Tonder novel which was released in the late 1990's, Roepman tells the tale about innocence and how once lost, it can never be found again. Directed by veteran actor Paul Eilers we see a railway community – its people and its troubles – through the eyes of curious, absorbing young Timus, who is absolutely fascinated with the world around him. A free spirit, he watches everyone and everything like a hawk in his quest to "piepie skuim" (urinate foam), or rather, to become a man.

Set against the backdrop of the Apartheid regime where the white God-fearing father, together with the church, ruled the household, Roepman tells a tale of inner struggle, maturity, forgiveness, and in the end coming together.

A diverse cast consisting of newcomers and veteran actors make the film believable. Loots gives a compelling performance as the young Timus; Klopjag frontman John-Henry Opperman is mesmerising as 'stargazer' Joon who serves as the local wake-up call, and Deon Lotz is frightening yet vulnerable as Timus's dad. And definitely worth a mention is Andrew Thompson who will no longer be remembered only for his slapstick performances in Bakgat and Superhelde.

Produced by father and son Piet and Sallas de Jager with music written by brother Dawie de Jager, Roepman is a true family passion project which comes together like a good band practice.
 
Watching the trailer alone was a tearjerking experience. Roepman is 115 minutes where you'll be able to shut off from the rest of the world and be transported to long-lost forgotten world. Whether you were there or only heard of it through tales told by elders, it's a journey that's well worth it.

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