The Gods Must Be Crazy
The critics are raving... the natives are restless... and the laughter is non-stop!
Overview
A Coca-Cola bottle dropped from an airplane raises havoc among a normally peaceful tribe of African bushmen who believe it to be a utensil of the gods.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Set in the beautiful yet harsh landscapes of Botswana, 'The Gods Must Be Crazy' is a product of its time, reflecting the early 1980s perspective on African culture and society. The film has been criticized for some cultural stereotypes but remains a significant portrayal of the San Bushmen tribe, giving insights into their traditional lifestyle.
- The film offers a unique blend of comedy and adventure, with a protagonist that is both relatable and endearing.
- It features a distinct cultural perspective, showcasing the San Bushmen tribe of Botswana and their way of life.
- The movie's lighthearted tone and thought-provoking themes make it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
Fun Facts
- 'The Gods Must Be Crazy' was shot using a handheld camera for most scenes to achieve a raw and authentic feel.
- The film's protagonist, Xi, was played by N!xau, a member of the real-life San Bushmen tribe who had no prior acting experience.
- The popular Coke bottle used throughout the movie became an iconic symbol for the film, leading to the production of a special edition 'Kolokota' (meaning 'things falling from the sky') Coke bottle.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"The critics are raving... the natives are restless... and the laughter is non-stop!"
Deutsch
DE
Title: Die Götter müssen verrückt sein
"Eine einzige irre Bambule"
Slovenčina
SK
Title: Bohovia sa museli zblázniť
""
Bokmål
NO
Title: Gudene må være gale
""
Français
FR
Title: Les Dieux sont tombés sur la tête
"Les critiques sont dithyrambiques... les autochtones s'agitent... et les rires fusent sans discontinuer !"
Italiano
IT
Title: Ma che siamo tutti matti?
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
This is another one of those older movies my wife and I watched together over twenty years ago, and then recently watched again. We enjoyed it just as much as we did the first time. I had forgotten a lot of the details, so that was actually a good thing as it wasn’t overly familiar to me, like watching Groundhog Day yet again would be.
The tag line suggests that the laughs never stop, but that isn’t quite accurate. There are a lot of laugh out loud moments, mostly physical humor, and plenty of pockets of humor here and there, but there are also connecting scenes that set up the plot lines and transition from one to another. There are three main plots that thread together and keep the viewers on their toes.
The writer/director apparently put in months of long days without a break putting this together, and his effort was rightly rewarded with great success at the box office. Oddly enough, I didn’t recognize any of his other work, except for the more tepid sequel to this modern classic comedy..
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar
Media
Trailer
The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980) hd trailer
Trailer
Official Trailer THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY (1980, Jamie Uys, N!xau, Marius Weyers, Sandra Prinsloo)
Clip
The Gods Must Be Crazy - Head Shake - Yes (Culture-Specific NVC)