SummaryJust after the death of her newly-born sister, Chanda, 12 years old, learns of a rumor that spreads like wildfire through her small, dust-ridden village near Johannesburg. It destroys her family and forces her mother to flee. Sensing that the gossip stems from prejudice and superstition, Chanda leaves home and school in search of her mother and t... Read More
Directed By:Oliver Schmitz
Written By:Dennis Foon, Oliver Schmitz, Allan Stratton
Life, Above All
Metascore
Generally Favorable
65
User score
Generally Favorable
7.1
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
65% Positive
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
31% Mixed
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Aug 31, 2011
100
The film's ending is improbably upbeat: Magic realism, in a sense. It works as a deliverance. Dennis Foon's screenplay is based on the novel "Chanda's Secrets" by Canadian writer Allan Stratton. It is a parable with Biblical undertones, recalling "Cry, the Beloved Country."
Jul 14, 2011
80
The director and his splendid cast assure that this tale about a strong little girl fighting to keep her family alive and together has both high art and a big heart, audience appeal and gut impact.
Aug 12, 2011
75
In such a bleak story, the redemptive ending seems rushed and unconvincing, but director Oliver Schmitz has sent us a timely dispatch from a forgotten corner of the world that is honest above all.
Jul 10, 2011
70
It's an absorbing, vividly inhabited tale nonetheless, never exploiting its horrors but rather treating them as tough local realities.
Jul 15, 2011
60
Director Oliver Schmitz's rhythms take a while to ease into, and admittedly, there is never a bright moment.
Jul 19, 2011
38
By the time the narrative winds toward its key revelation, even the most earnest viewer is numbed and emotionally desensitized by the unfathomable bleakness already overcrowding the screen.
User score
Generally Favorable
71% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
29% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Feb 5, 2012
8
Life above all is a befitting title for this film. A parable on the value of human life, where prejudices continue to out weigh the value of another. Until one is willing to find the internal strength to take a stand against these mysticisms in favor of building human character. While there may be inequities this film shines in realism and humanism.
Production Company:
- Dreamer Joint Venture Filmproduction
- Enigma Pictures
- Niama Film
- Senator Film Produktion
Release Date:Jul 15, 2011
Duration:1 h 40 m
Rating:PG-13
Awards
South African Film and Television Awards
• 7 Wins & 11 Nominations
Dubai International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Cannes Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
