Watch Life, Above All

Life, Above All is a heart-wrenching drama film from South Africa that explores themes of love, loss, and community in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Directed by Oliver Schmitz, the film is based on the novel Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton and features an ensemble cast of talented actors. The story revolves around a young girl named Chanda (Khomotso Manyaka) who is forced to grow up too quickly in a small village in South Africa. After her infant sister dies and her mother (Lerato Mvelase) falls ill with a mysterious illness, Chanda must take on the role of caretaker for her younger siblings and navigate the complex social dynamics of her community.

As Chanda tries to find a way to help her mother and uncover the truth about her sister's death, she discovers that rumors and prejudices are running rampant in her village. Misinformation and ignorance about HIV/AIDS are causing fear and stigma, with tragic consequences for many families like Chanda's.

Despite the challenges she faces, Chanda remains determined to protect her family and find justice for her sister. With the help of her best friend, Esther (Keaobaka Makanyane), and her grandmother (Harriet Lenabe), Chanda must confront the harsh realities of life in rural South Africa and fight for a better future for herself and her loved ones.

Life, Above All is a poignant and powerful film that addresses the urgent issue of HIV/AIDS awareness in Africa, while also exploring universal themes of family, friendship, and resilience. The performances are exceptional, particularly from the young and talented Khomotso Manyaka, who imbues Chanda with both vulnerability and strength.

Director Oliver Schmitz demonstrates a keen eye for detail, capturing both the beauty and the brutality of life in rural Africa. The cinematography is stunning, with wide shots of the landscape juxtaposed against intimate close-ups of the characters' faces.

The film's themes are weighty, but Schmitz balances them with moments of warmth and humor. The relationships between the characters are lovingly portrayed, particularly the friendship between Chanda and Esther, which provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.

Life, Above All is a must-see film that sheds light on an important issue while also telling a compelling story. It is an emotional journey that will leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Life, Above All is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 65.