Hansie Movie Review - One of the better evaluations

This is one of the more balanced reviews I've read. I happen to concur 100% with Theresa Smith that the best part of the film is in the footage of the real Hansie at the end (to a stirring song by Niemand).

I would have done the film in a style similar to A River Runs Through It. Instead of the romanticism around fishing, it would be about growing up in the Vrystaat, being a Grey Boy, and then the cricket lore. The film could have ended where Hansie gets his first phone message and basically looks up over the sea in a long, long moment. But that's me.

I know Frans wanted to bring the Christian message in, and there are probably tens of millions who will love him for it.

clipped from tonight.co.za Despite screeching orchestration that is more irritating than anything else, there is a saving grace - and it's not the white light that beckons us from beyond. The end credits really are the best thing about the film and it's not just because you are breathing a sigh of relief that the mawkish sentimentality has finally reached an end. The Niemand song that plays over the collage of family photos brings a lump to your throat and the footage of the real Hansie reminds you that he was an amazing sportsman and considered a true gentleman. The idea was sound and the intentions honourable, but this film is weak. If you liked … Faith Like Potatoes … then this movie was made with you in mind.