The Netflix DVD-envelope stuffer who packs our movies has probably figured out - if (s)he has been paying attention, that is - that I am either obsessed with all things African, or that I'm just a homesick immigrant from somewhere on the Mother Continent.
The boy, who has to watch all of the Afrocentric films that are "mysteriously" showing up in the mailbox, has definitely noticed.
Here is just some of what the poor guy has had to sit through recently:
National Geographic: Africa (Discs one - FOUR. Yes, no less than four! But they're all astoundingly good. Naturally, with it being by National Geographic and all.) It's not your run of the mill African wildlife documentary either. (Not that those aren't lovely!) These documentaries offer unique glimpses into the lives of different Africans and how they coexist with the land and the animals.
Thus we see a young North African nomad as he takes part in his very first caravan across the fierce but breathtaking Sahara with the older men in his family who are still using the ways of their ancestors to navigate their way through the ever-changing sea of dunes.
On the last disc we are transported to the modern South African city of Johannesburg, where we encounter a beautiful 20-something African girl who has chosen to chisel out a future for herself far beneath the surface of the earth in the dangerous and still dominantly male world of the gold mines.
Next up the movie, I Dreamed of Africa, selected simply because I do dream about it, constantly. Not necessarily Kim Bassinger at her best (understatement, that!), but worth it if only for the scenery... (However, please don't trust my sentimental heart.)
The Gods Must Be Crazy (I and II) - If I'm not mistaken, one of the first - if not the first - South African film to "make it" internationally. Filled with slapstick humour, it's even funnier after you've had a few snifters of a little somethin' somethin'.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo: In Harmony. Remember Paul Simon's "Diamonds on the soles of her Shoes?" Yes, they were the guys so beautifully filling the song with their perfect harmonies. They've since made it on their own too and to this day, they tour extensively and worldwide. Watch founder Joseph Shabalala tell of their humble beginnings and then be treated to a recording of their 1999 concert at London's stately Royal Albert Hall.
Then of course there is that faithful romantic staple: Out of Africa. Say no more.
And yes, the boy has been a trooper, sitting patiently and dutifully through most of these flicks.
But I think he'll be very relieved when I finally get over this phase, even though he is far too sweet to ever admit it.
Do you guys and gals also go through such "film phases?" Or am I, once again, the only freak around here?
(On second thoughts, don't bother answering the last part of that question.)
Next up, if you haven't read the book or seen the Movie. Rent The Power of One. Or read it. It's a South African book/movie dealing with the issues there around the time of WWII. Awsome book. And not a bad movie.
While I'm not currently IN a film phase right now, I do go through them. But, it's usually things like documentaries or foreign films. I don't often get the chance to enjoy those as much as I would like, so a list is compiled and I'll watch a whole bunch at once when I'm in the mood.
As an interesting side note, we own a very rare breed of dog in the U.S. A South African Boerboel. Ours has been assessed by judges who flew here specifically to do so. Actually, he was assessed at the FIRST EVER Boerboel assessment in the states, a few years back in St. Louis. Just thought you might be interested. You can see a couple of pics of him here.
LBM--love 'em. We had the cd where I used to work and it was one of the favourites. Sadly, most Americans won't recognise the Paul Simon connection, but will recognise that they're the group that sang the old, lovely Lifesaver commercials.
You poor dear. When I lived in Florida, I couldn't stop watching films like "Roger & Me," "Escanaba in da Moonlight," "Detroit Rock City," and "Canadian Bacon." :)
Well, if we don't count my usual porn film phase, I reckon I don't have any film phases at all. Though I must admit that I am currently enjoying Bollywood movies, so I guess that's as much a phase as any...
On the Africa thing, I have to say again what I always say to you: Once you've heard the thunder rumbling across the highveld, tasted the salty spray from Table Bay and felt the Kalahari sand under your feet, you never get it out of your system.
Shake your boots all you want, but the sands of Africa NEVER come out. And trying to stay away just makes it harder and harder, until, in the end, it feels like someone is pulling a massive thorn straight from your heart.
It is only when you turn your feet back to the Dark Continent that you'll find peace. Trust me, I've been away long enough. The Southern Cross beckons. Its time for the children of Africa to go home. Nkosi sikelele i'africa!
I voluntarily left Hawaii, but I still yearn every now and then to see the backdrop of the mountains and the ocean that I grew up with. When that happens, I have to add "Picture Bride" to my Netflix list again.
Sadly, I think my film phases ended years ago. I used to be obsessed with movies to the point where I watched them over and over again, memorized every single line, etc. Now it takes a lot for me to go to the movies and see something new. A real lot. And it takes even more for me to really like it. However, if I've already seen it and loved it, I'd watch it anytime. Weird, right?
My favorite movie of all time: Back to the Future (part 1).
btw, came here via Emily's. I love this site and your writing is fantastic. I'm glad you won the contest! xoxo
I don't remember having a film phase and didn't even intend to make a comment on this entry until I read saw a comment that someone actually admitted in print that they saw 'Escanaba in da Moonlight' ... YIKES!
I'm sure whoever stuffs the Netflix envelopes must think that I don't like anything new. I had a before I die movie list, and I jump up and down when I get them in the mail. At least they can't see me doing that, and I don't have to worry about the funny looks I get for renting things like Ishtar.
I guess that's a phase...
-H
Hey, there, Bonnie ... there's a joke here in Michigan that says "You know you're from Michigan when you don't consider Escanaba in da Moonlight a comedy, it's a documentary." ;)