Watch Material

Material is a South African film that was released in 2012. It is a comedy-drama film that features the life of a Muslim family living in Johannesburg, South Africa. Directed by Craig Friemond, the film is a masterpiece that explores cultural issues in a humorous way. The film tells the story of Cassim Kaif, played by Riaad Moosa, a Muslim man who is torn between his family's expectations and his own dreams. Cassim comes from a long line of fabric sellers, and his father wants him to take over the family business. However, Cassim is more interested in being a stand-up comedian. He spends his days honing his craft, performing at local clubs and dreaming of a brighter future.

Cassim's family is traditional and conservative, and they don't understand his ambitions. They want him to carry on the family business and become a successful fabric merchant like his father and grandfather before him. His father, Ebrahim Kaif is played by Vincent Ebrahim, is a strict and stubborn man who expects his sons to follow his footsteps.

Cassim's struggles between his passion and his family's expectations are worsened when he is invited to perform at a major comedy festival in Cape Town. This puts him at odds with his family, who disapprove of his ambitions. The tension between Cassim and his family unfolds in the most hilarious and relatable way, with jokes that push the boundary without crossing any lines.

Riaad Moosa delivers an outstanding performance as Cassim Kaif. He brings genuine humor and sincerity to his character, making the audience feel connected to him. Vincent Ebrahim also gives an impressive performance as Ebrahim Kaif, Cassim's father. His portrayal of a conservative father adds depth to the movie.

Joey Rasdien is the third lead actor in the movie, playing the role of Yusuf, Cassim's best friend. Yusuf is the comic relief in the movie, always ready to make jokes and play the fool. His friendship with Cassim is genuine and adds warmth to the movie.

The film's story is driven by the characters, and the script revolves around their relationships and how they conflict. The dialogue is rich and natural, with jokes that are relatable and never low brow. Material is a refreshing movie that highlights that cultural differences can be resolved without hatred and anger.

The movie has an excellent soundtrack that sets the tone perfectly. The soundtrack features a mix of Indian and South African music that gives the movie a vibrant and upbeat feel.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the movie is how it handles cultural identity. The movie doesn't take sides but instead shows how Cassim reconciles his faith, his values and his personal goals in a way that is true to him without offending others. The movie's universal appeal lies in its portrayal of the struggle of a young man caught between his dreams and his family's expectations.

In conclusion, Material is an enjoyable and entertaining movie that delves into cultural differences without being divisive or controversial. The performances in the movie are outstanding, and the humor is fresh and relatable. The movie shows how a little bit of humor can go a long way in bridging cultural gaps. This film is definitely worth watching, and it serves to highlight the richness of South African culture.

Material is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.