Watch Love the One You Love

Love the One You Love is a 2014 South African drama film directed by Jenna Bass. The film explores the complexities of love in contemporary South Africa through a collage of interconnected stories, capturing the diverse experiences of a group of young people living in Cape Town. The movie follows two main characters, Terri (played by Chi Mhende) and Sandile (played by Andile Nebulane), who are both searching for love and connection in their lives. Terri is a self-confident and independent young woman who owns her own business, while Sandile is a musician struggling to make ends meet. Despite their differences, both Terri and Sandile are navigating the challenges of modern relationships and looking for something real.

The film is divided into three chapters, each told from the perspective of a different character. The first chapter follows Terri as she meets and falls for Sihle (played by Pamella Nomvete), an older woman who challenges Terri's notions of love and commitment. The second chapter focuses on Sandile's relationship with his girlfriend, Lebo (played by Thishiwe Ziqubu), and their struggle to make their love work in a world that seems to be against them. Finally, in the third chapter, the stories of Terri and Sandile converge as they each confront the complexities of love and relationships head-on.

One of the most striking things about Love the One You Love is the way it explores the intersection of technology and relationships. Throughout the film, characters use their phones and social media to connect with others, often in ways that are at once liberating and isolating. The film also highlights the role of social media in shaping our ideas of love and relationships, as characters compare themselves to others on Facebook and Instagram and struggle to live up to the idealized versions of relationships they see there.

Another noteworthy aspect of Love the One You Love is its use of color and sound. The film is visually stunning, with bold colors and striking compositions throughout. The score, composed by Chris Letcher, is equally impressive, incorporating a range of electronic and traditional instruments to create a sound that is both contemporary and timeless.

Ultimately, Love the One You Love is a powerful exploration of the many different forms that love can take in our lives. It is a film about the complexities and contradictions of modern relationships, about the ways that technology can both bring us closer together and push us further apart. It is also a film about the importance of vulnerability, communication, and mutual understanding in navigating the often-unpredictable world of love and romance.

In conclusion, Love the One You Love is a must-watch for anyone interested in contemporary South African cinema or in exploring the complexities of love and relationships in the 21st century. With its powerful performances, bold visual style, and thought-provoking themes, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who see it.

Love the One You Love is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.