Faith Tested (Marked) A South African Movie Review

My heart shook upon watching this movie, and at the same time, I was careful not to judge because everyone has their story behind what they do. Amidst this, one thing I have always been taught is that our faith will always be tested to confirm how genuine we are in the journey of our relationship with God.

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Marked is a South African movie that features a psychological narrative. It's a story of an ex-cop and mother, Babalwa Godongwana, played by Lerato Mvelase, whose systems she depended on failed her when she needed to raise money for her daughter, Palesa's (played by Ama Qamata) surgery, who was suffering from cancer and a brain tumour. She became desperate in search for money, especially when even the church she and her husband had dedicated their time to couldn't help but encourage her to trust in God.

Out of desperation, she collaborates with a crime boss, Baba G (Jerry Mofokeng), agreeing to help orchestrate a heist, but the operation didn't go as planned. So, she couldn't get the money. With her daughter's surgery date approaching, she decided to go for another heist where her faith was tested more.

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Marked is a movie that tests one's faith amidst challenges that threaten life. Babalwa's faith in God was challenged when prayers alone couldn't solve her immediate problem. This movie put one in a tight corner, whether to keep one's faith in God or to lean on one's understanding.

The movie made me question, in the face of uncertainty and when you need an urgent answer but not happening soon, would you get out of God's way to do something you'd regret over it or better still, let Him show up miraculously? It left me thinking whether I should be on Babalwa's side or not because one would want to understand that all she did was for her daughter to be alright.

But where it struck me to ask another question, "Why not wait and keep your faith going when you know this? Are you doubting God's power? It was when Palesa asked if she was going to die, but she assured her that she wasn't going to die because she was a gift from God. Waiting for years looking for a child, even when she had closed the chapter, was when He gave her a gift of a daughter, and would God watch her die and take her away? I think that should make her faith even stronger. But when faith is tested, what do you do?

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I admire Babalwa’s husband, Tebza, played by S’Dumo Mtshali. His faith didn't waver even amidst what they were passing through. He kept on going to church to pray, advising his wife to do the same. Even to the end, he had faith as he took a big decision, uncertain of what would happen next but believing in a miracle for their daughter. In the end, God stepped in, but it was too late for Babalwa.

The last heist she was involved in led to another trouble. Who would have believed a good Christian like Babalwa would compromise her faith just because she wanted to save her daughter? Unfortunately, something led to another, and she pulled the trigger on the only person God used to settle Palesa's surgery, and I think that act would make her regret all her life. If only she had listened all along.

Three lessons taken from the movie. First, when desperation sets in, it pushes one beyond their moral boundaries. Secondly, love, especially parental love, can ignite courage and risk-taking for the sake of one's children. Thirdly, putting one's faith in God will keep one safe from impending dangers and avoid regrets later.

The movie is worth watching, and I rate it 8/10 for the wonderful performance and cinematography.