Watch Ayanda and the Mechanic
- 2015
- 1 hr 45 min
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6.9 (110)
Ayanda and the Mechanic is a South African drama film that was released in 2015. The movie is directed by Sara Blecher and features Fulu Mugovhani, O.C. Ukeje, and Nthati Moshesh in the lead roles. The story revolves around a young woman named Ayanda (Mugovhani) who runs an auto repair shop in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ayanda's shop is a tribute to her late father, who was a mechanic himself, and is a place where she feels most connected to him.
Ayanda is a headstrong and ambitious woman who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her father. She has a passion for classic cars and spends her time restoring them in her workshop. She also has a love for fashion, which is evident in her vibrant and colorful outfits. When Ayanda's business partner, David (Kenneth Nkosi), suddenly disappears, she finds herself in a difficult financial situation. In order to save her business, she decides to enter a prestigious car restoration competition. However, she soon realizes that she can't do it alone and enlists the help of a skilled Nigerian mechanic named Kunle (Ukeje).
Kunle is a talented mechanic who has a troubled past. He arrives in Johannesburg looking for his estranged brother and takes up a job at Ayanda's workshop. Initially, Ayanda and Kunle don't see eye to eye. Ayanda is headstrong and has her own ideas about how things should be done, while Kunle is more reserved and follows a strict set of rules. However, as they work together to restore a classic car for the competition, they begin to develop a bond. They also discover that they have a shared love for music and start performing together at local gigs.
As Ayanda and Kunle's relationship deepens, they are forced to confront some of their own emotional baggage. Ayanda struggles to come to terms with her father's death and the loss of her mother, who abandoned her when she was younger. Kunle, on the other hand, is haunted by the memories of his past and the mistakes he has made. Their personal struggles and shared experiences bring them closer together and they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other.
The movie also touches upon important societal issues such as xenophobia, political corruption, and the impact of Apartheid on the country's current state. Ayanda's business is affected by corruption and red tape, as she struggles to get the necessary permits and licenses to operate. Kunle's experiences as a Nigerian immigrant living in South Africa highlight the prejudice and discrimination that is prevalent in the country.
Overall, Ayanda and the Mechanic is a touching and poignant story about loss, love, and self-discovery. The film features incredible performances by its lead actors and is supported by a strong script and beautiful cinematography. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking and emotionally charged cinema.