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IMDbPro

Life, Above All

Original title: Le secret de Chanda
  • 20102010
  • PG-13PG-13
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
Life, Above All (2010)
A young South African girl fights to rescue the people she loves.
Play trailer2:07
1 Video
21 Photos
Drama
A touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects the modern South Africa.A touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects the modern South Africa.A touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects the modern South Africa.
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
    • Oliver Schmitz
    • Dennis Foon(screenplay)
    • Oliver Schmitz
    • Allan Stratton(novel "Chanda's Secrets")
  • Stars
    • Khomotso Manyaka
    • Keaobaka Makanyane
    • Harriet Lenabe
    • Oliver Schmitz
    • Dennis Foon(screenplay)
    • Oliver Schmitz
    • Allan Stratton(novel "Chanda's Secrets")
  • Stars
    • Khomotso Manyaka
    • Keaobaka Makanyane
    • Harriet Lenabe
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 10User reviews
    • 77Critic reviews
    • 65Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards

    Videos1

    Life, Above All
    Trailer 2:07
    Watch Life, Above All

    Photos21

    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)
    Life, Above All (2010)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Khomotso Manyaka
    • Chanda
    Keaobaka Makanyane
    • Esther
    Harriet Lenabe
    • Mrs. Tafa
    • (as Harriet Manamela)
    Lerato Mvelase
    Lerato Mvelase
    • Lillian
    Tinah Mnumzana
    • Aunt Lizbet
    Aubrey Poolo
    • Jonah
    Mapaseka Mathebe
    • Iris
    Thato Kgaladi
    • Soly
    Kgomotso Ditshweni
    • Dudu
    Rami Chuene
    Rami Chuene
    • Aunty Ruth
    Jerry Marobyane
    • Mr. Pheto
    Tshepo Emmanuel Nonyane
    • Mr. Lesole
    Johanna Refilwe Sihlangu
    • Mrs. Lesole
    Vusi Muzi Given Nyathi
    • Mr. Nylo
    Patrick Shai
    Patrick Shai
    • Dr. Charles Chilume
    Nelson Motloung
    • Mr. Chauke
    Ernest Mokoena
    • Sipho Mandla
    Mary Twala
    Mary Twala
    • Mrs. Gulubane
      • Oliver Schmitz
      • Dennis Foon(screenplay)
      • Oliver Schmitz
      • Allan Stratton(novel "Chanda's Secrets")
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Connections
      Featured in Maltin on Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

    User reviews10

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    7/10
    Heartful social drama from suburban South Africa
    I've been quite surprised if the quality of South African films from the latter years, and this is another example of this quality. And a South African film isn't only Dustrict 9 or Vehicle 19, which both were great, but also film like this little gem, based on the novel "Chanda's secrets" by Canadian Allan Stratton, and directed by the German director Oliver Schmitz, which is born in Cape Town, S.A.

    Young Chanda, 12, is checking out the funeral for her little sister Sarah, which have suddenly died, getting to know that the money the mother kept has been stolen. Her father is an irresponsible drunk, and she realizes that her friend is selling services as a prostitute to the lorry drivers down town. Chanda begins to understand a lot about how the world functions. We get to see Chanda's poor neighborhood in Elandsdoorn outside of Johannesburg. Her mother turns ill just after, making even more challenges for Chanda, amongst them a lot of rumors and superstition. A superstition that adds deeply to the challenges in such a poor community.

    The film was chosen for the "Un certain regard"-program under the Cannes Festival, very deservedly. I haven't read the novel, but I understand the film makes a good job, though having to let out some if the film to make a film out of it. Fine cinematography work, with great use of light focusing, and great job fond by the actors, makes this a very see-worthy film. It depicts the challenges which might occur in every society, but also the ones hitting especially hard in a poor neighborhood.

    It's a beak realistically told film, even if it's a fictional tale. Still the film is not without hope. Chanda makes a big difference in her neighborhood, with her heart and sense of getting things right.
    helpful•3
    1
    • OJT
    • Feb 20, 2014

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 11, 2011 (South Africa)
      • South Africa
      • Germany
      • Official site
      • Sotho
    • Also known as
    • Filming locations
      • Elandsdoorn, Limpopo, South Africa
    • Production companies
      • Dreamer Joint Venture Filmproduction
      • Enigma Pictures
      • Niama Film
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • 1 hour 40 minutes
      • Color
      • Dolby Digital

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