Life, Above All

South Africa

Outstanding film dealing with the AIDS plague in Africa and its effects on its victims. The film focuses on a 12 year old girl whose life is completely upended when two members of her family come down with the disease. Because of the social stigma involved everyone tries hard (too hard) to hide its reality, thus increasing the suffering.

The lead was terrific...playing a bright, assertive child who fights against the hypocrisy of the adult world. She is motivated by her sense of caring and a commitment to the truth. Underlying attitudes are subtly hinted at...not explicitly stated by the characters which brings the audience in as participants trying to figure out what motivates the action on screen.

Involving from the first...then gripping with a beautiful climactic scene which acted as catharsis for the audience. World-class film.

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