Watch My Father's War

My Father's War is a South African drama film that was released in 2016, directed by Craig Gardner, and written by him and his co-writer, Carel Nel. The film tells the story of a father and his son who go on a journey to discover what really happened to his grandfather during the Second World War. The film begins with a conversation between Etienne (played by Edwin van der Walt), a young white South African man, and his father Willem (played by Neels Clasen) at a family gathering. Etienne wants to know more about his grandfather, a war hero who was presumed dead but whose body was never found. This prompts Willem to open up about his own experiences of the war and how he fought to keep his family safe when bombings and gunfire threatened to destroy everything they had.

Etienne is fascinated by his father's stories, however, Willem is ashamed of his past and tries to hide it from everyone, even his own family. This leads to a strained relationship between the two as they struggle to connect and understand each other. It isn't until Willem receives a letter from a stranger who claims to have knowledge of his father's whereabouts that he finally decides to confront his past.

Determined to find out what really happened to his father, Willem sets out on a journey to Europe with his son Etienne. Along the way, they meet Erica (played by Erica Wessels), a young Belgian woman who agrees to help them locate the missing soldier. As they travel through Belgium, , and , they encounter a series of obstacles and challenges that force them to confront their fears and prejudices.

The film is a beautifully shot road movie that explores themes of family, identity, and forgiveness. Through Willem and Etienne's journey, we learn about the devastating impact of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. We also see the importance of communication and the healing power of truth.

The acting in the film is top-notch, with Wessels, van der Walt, and Clasen all delivering convincing performances. Wessels in particular shines as the young Belgian woman who helps guide the two men on their journey, providing them with insight and wisdom along the way.

The cinematography is also worth mentioning, with stunning shots of the Belgian countryside and the French coastline. The use of natural light and color grading help to create a mood of nostalgia and reflection, adding to the emotional depth of the film.

Overall, My Father's War is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of the human experience. It's a story about the lasting impact of war on individuals and families, and a reminder of the importance of coming to with the past in order to move forward.