A well-structured documentary with a dramatic flair directed by Gordon Main titled ‘London Recruits’ is about a relatively new and an unknown section of the anti apartheid movement. The film is about the same named book where British people joined ANC in its wars with apartheid government in South Africa in the sixties.
This film shows very well how brave they were, what made them make such last sacrifices – it speaks about marvelous peoples’ relations and their fights for justice on the earth.
It discusses the clever ploy that became popular among the activists like Chief Tambo in pursuit of the liberation movement. He knew that the message would not simply be allowed to die – he strategized, intending to use mostly white young people who were mainly from London to go and conduct destabilizing activities inside South Africa.
These recruits just looked like average civilians; however, they did extraordinary things because of no other reason but the love the people had towards humanity that was totally different from their own circumstance.
By giving interviews to ex-combatants of ANC and recreating incidents acted out by hired professionals, the former neutralizes ANS’s representatives and brings to light the opinions of those who have for long stayed in the shadows of history – nameless began.
This aspect describes how these individuals were selected, what sort of preparation they received and what was done by them during their operational covers thus casting light onto particular measures by these operatives which were crucial in the efforts meant to dethrone the apartheid regime.
When we read these first-hand accounts, we cannot help but be drawn into each of these events and see the people who stood at the crossroads of history and made a choice to fight against discrimination.
One of the most exciting moments comes when addresses and leaflets and leaflet bombs are dropped in the cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth on 13 August 1970 as the date when a series of bomb campaigns took place in South Africa.
This is another achievement that has been made and which is in fact the greatest because it is attributed to the capable brain of Oliver Tambo who through and through looked for constitutional mean of collapsing the SA government even if when force was at least in this case left it to be right again.
The reverse style of the execution by the director – Gordon Main – of re-enactment of such action directly transforms into a most action directed modern motion picture leaving a feeling of captive tension and absolute absence of breath to the viewers over the entire time span.
But this is not only about this one mission; there are many other moments of equal affect. Towards the end there is a scene with the prisoners singing a song for fellow comrades who were taken away in groups of eight to be shot, while those prisoners remained behind the bars. This interesting scene exposes both tragic atmosphere which underlined the apartheid system and a strong will of those who have stood up till the last against it.
Visually “London Recruits” evokes time period very convincingly due to proper organization of staged and archived footage for documentary like films which also combines lovely cinematography. Similarly editing is fast with the cut momentum too being consistent with the fight for freedom ensuring that viewers are attended from start to end.
Also casting has to be singled out as the faces of young recruits were remarkably close to the actual characters shown thus making it seem as if these historical figures have literally come out from the screen.
Besides recruits and missions, ‘London Recruits’ tells the other-side’s story too. It makes the clearer understanding about political and social realities of that time by getting views of people who worked against ANC.
For people who know little about apartheid, this film is startling. It proves that the anti apartheid movement was not limited to south africa and the apartheid system was opposed by many nations. “London Recruits” notes the courage of Londoners however it also reminds us the significance of international support to any cause of just struggle.
This is such an interesting film because it tackles a historical event in such an accurate and engrossing way.
Gordon Main’s directing, together with great storytelling, colorful reenactments and narrative techniques; this film is recommended for viewers interested in apartheid and world wide movements with regard to ongoing violation of human rights.
Watch free movies like on Fmovies
