The Swenkas

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The Swenkas

2004

1h 12m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

63%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Filmmaker Jeppe Ronde observes Zulu men in Johannesburg, South Africa, who compete in amateur fashion contests.

Elizabeth Weitzman

New York Daily News

Jeppe Ronde's unusual documentary is unabashedly superficial. But it's an approach that works better than you might imagine.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 11, 2005

Full Review

V.A. Musetto

New York Post

The Swenkas are a charismatic group, and Ronde takes full advantage. You can't help but love them, especially when they go swanking. Beautiful cinematography and a sweet soundtrack with, among others, Roy Rogers and Tommy Dorsey, add to the charm.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 9, 2005

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Jeannette Catsoulis

New York Times

The Danish filmmaker Jeppe Ronde's intriguing documentary presents a window into a strange and selfish obsession.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 9, 2005

Full Review

David Noh

Film Journal International

After a while, you begin to wonder if this is a subject truly deserving of full documentary treatment.

Mar 1, 2007

Full Review

Phil Villarreal

Arizona Daily Star

By the end of the film, it's clear Sabelo comes to understand what the Swenkas are all about, but do we?

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 2, 2006

Full Review

Saul Austerlitz

Boxoffice Magazine

Ronde has clearly stumbled onto a terrific subject for a documentary, but having done that, he has little idea what to do with it.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 11, 2005

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antti p

In Johannesburg, one of the most violent cities around, there is a small group of Zulu men who compete every Saturday on who has the best outfit. These suit men are called Swenkas, and being a Swenka means not only knowing how to dress up, but also how to represent oneself - clean, stylish, polite, sober. It's a lifestyle and gives hope for a better future.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Oooh, this is the first review. I just saw this on SBS and it was brilliant. A group of men in fine threads compete in Johannesburg. Beautifully filmed and edited. Loved it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

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Jeppe Rønde

Director

Jeppe Rønde

Writer

Kim Leona

Writer

Anne Diemer

Producer

Rasmus Thorsen

Producer

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Jeppe Ronde observes Zulu men in Johannesburg, South Africa, who compete in amateur fashion contests.

Director: Jeppe Rønde
Producer: Anne Diemer, Rasmus Thorsen
Screenwriter: Jeppe Rønde, Kim Leona
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 12m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital