The Gods must be Crazy (1980)

Director: Jamie Uys

Starring: N!xau, Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo

A comic allegory about a traveling Bushman who encounters modern civilization and its stranger aspects, including a clumsy scientist and a band of revolutionaries.

Jamie Uys is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s best directors ever. The 80’s film industry started off with a bang thanks to his incredible production of ‘The Gods must be crazy’.

Three different stories intertwine to create one of the most-loved, funniest comedies ever to grace the silver screen. At the center of everything, is a bushman, Xi (hilariously portrayed by N!xau), who lives an ordinary, primitive life. His peaceful existence did not prepare his simple frame of mind for what he was to encounter on a harrowing journey to ‘the end of the world’. He absolutely stole the show!

Marius Weyers is fabulous as Andrew Steyn, who is hopeless in the company of women. So, when he is asked to fetch teacher Kate Thompson (Sandra Prinsloo) from the bus stop, humor abound was sure to follow. What I enjoyed about the film’s humor, is the fact that it was so naturally funny – no slap-stick, no forced silliness. It was just a genuinely funny adventure!

The film offers drama, action, suspense, and off course, a generous dose of comedy. This is stillone of South Africa’s best films, and certainly the best comedy. ‘The Gods must be Crazy’ was followed by one official sequel and several non-official sequels. It also became one of the most successful South African films, breaking several records around the globe.

Would I watch it again? Oh, absolutely!!