Hear Me Move movie review (trailer)

Dance movies have feel-good appeal, which is why franchises like Step Up and – dare we say – Bring It On do so well. Add to this the pantsula, the township knee-buster that has evolved into a movement that embodies the spirit of South African townships, and you have proof that dance is pretty much as South African as Mrs Balls Chutney and magwenya. Enter Hear Me Move, South Africa’s first film to follow the zero-to-hero plot synonymous with this genre.

MAN CANDY. Loyanda Mfene takes the lead in the new film. Pictures: Ster-Kinekor

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Muzi (Loyanda Mfene) is a street dance prodigy struggling to keep a promise made to his mother – to never dance again – after his father was murdered at a street party more than a decade ago. When his father’s former dance partner, Shoes, approaches Muzi to join his crew, Muzi has to choose between finding out the truth about his father’s death or disappointing his mother.

Yes, this story has been done to death, but not in a South African setting, with this country’s undeniable dancing talent.

The plot is also plausible in parts – from the way dancing is part of the urban underground and the hard work associated with bringing original concepts to dance competitions.

Plus it’s also nice there is a locally-made movie on circuit that is not an Afrikaans romcom.