A touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects the modern South Africa.
Director:
Oliver Schmitz
From metacritic.com
Elizabeth Olsen, Tim Robbins, and more reveal how frigid conditions can make any job seem less glamorous.
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Title: Le secret de Chanda (2010)
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6 wins & 6 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Khomotso Manyaka | ... |
Chanda
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Keaobaka Makanyane | ... |
Esther
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Harriet Lenabe | ... |
Mrs. Tafa
(as Harriet Manamela)
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Lerato Mvelase | ... |
Lillian
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Tinah Mnumzana | ... |
Aunt Lizbet
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Aubrey Poolo | ... |
Jonah
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Mapaseka Mathebe | ... |
Iris
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Thato Kgaladi | ... |
Soly
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Kgomotso Ditshweni | ... |
Dudu
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Rami Chuene | ... |
Aunty Ruth
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Jerry Marobyane | ... |
Mr. Pheto
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Tshepo Emmanuel Nonyane | ... |
Mr. Lesole
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Johanna Refilwe Sihlangu | ... |
Mrs. Lesole
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Vusi Muzi Given Nyathi | ... |
Mr. Nylo
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Patrick Shai | ... |
Dr. Charles Chilume
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Edit
Plot Summary
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Storyline
In the dusty small town of Elandsdoorn, a South African township not far from Johannesburg, life is simple and serene. A prevailing sense of deep pride tightly bonds together the entire community - but beware to those who step out of line ... 12-year-old Chanda is a hardworking promising young student with a bright future, but her life changes dramatically when her baby sister unexpectedly dies. Heartbroken, Chanda's mother, Lillian, in turn becomes severely ill. Her stepfather drowns himself in alcohol, leaving the young girl to take care of her two smaller siblings. Meanwhile, the formerly friendly neighbors become increasingly distant and gossip spreads. "Auntie" Tafa does what she can to help by getting Lillian to leave town, but not even "Auntie" is immune to the cloud of fear filtering across Elandsdoorn. Suspecting that the community's irrational ostracism has to do with her mother's illness and the death of her baby sister, Chanda demands answers but is met with stubborn ... Written by Bavaria International
Plot Keywords:
mother daughter relationship | school | poverty | child prostitution | prostitution |Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material and some sexual content | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Release Date:
11 March 2011 (South Africa) See more »Also Known As:
A Vida, Acima de Tudo See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$13,788 (USA) (15 July 2011)Gross:
$132,960 (USA) (11 November 2011)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
Edit
This is very tender-hearted film and well acted. It grows on you so bare with it, because the characters develop through-out. It took sometime before I felt being pulled into this story, but I am very happy I stayed with it. The film has a very strong feeling of authenticity. It's not trying to swindle you with false emotions; it never sinks into false melodrama.
The theme is of struggle – and the resiliency of women – more particularly a young girl growing up. The struggles are with poverty, AIDS, abandonment, and ignorance. The individuals face their issues with a stoical, but telling emotion. The performances are strong and intense. The ending brings us a soulful resolution.