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Wizard

Name: Wizard
Director: Kagiso Lediga
Released: 2017
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2017

Director

Kagiso Lediga

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Wizard succeeds by centering a localized, South African experience that rejects Western cinematic dominance. By utilizing an all-Black cast and the specific landscape of Atteridgeville, the film provides a culturally immersive experience that feels authentic rather than performative. The film's strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of masculinity and survival. Instead of presenting idealized heroes, it shows young men navigating systemic pressures with a mix of desperation and humor. However, the narrative remains largely focused on traditional masculine and heterosexual dynamics. While it avoids being offensive, it lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Wizard have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story focuses on heterosexual relationships. While no LGBTQ+ identities are explicitly shown, the film avoids harmful stereotypes or derogatory clichés.

How does Wizard portray gender?

Fair

The plot centers on male friendship and social hierarchies. It avoids rigid archetypes by portraying the young men with vulnerability and comedic ineptitude.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Wizard?

Excellent

The film features an all-Black cast and is set entirely within a South African township. This approach rejects the white gaze in favor of authentic storytelling.

How does Wizard represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative explores the moral complexities of the 'hustle' within urban survival. It critiques existing power structures and traditional capitalist success through its setting.

Does Wizard include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant focus on visible or invisible disabilities. The narrative does not use disability as a plot device or a source of mockery.

Present on Screen

Authentic, non-Anglo-centric storytelling through an all-Black cast.
Deep cultural immersion within a specific South African township setting.
Nuanced portrayal of masculinity that embraces vulnerability and chaos.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation for LGBTQ+ identities.
Minimal focus on characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Narrative focus remains heavily centered on heterosexual romantic interests.

Official Synopsis

Matwetwe (Wizard) is a coming of age adventure following Lefa and Papi, best friends and recent high school graduates, on the hustle of their young lives. Over the course of one action packed New Year's Eve in the iconic township of Atteridgeville, the boys try to score a huge deal, dodge a king pin gangster and his violent minions, get the girl and ultimately save their lives in this hilarious and sometimes very serious escapade.

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