MOVIE REVIEW: Nothing for Mahala

GENRE: Comedy

RUNNING TIME: 1hr 45mins

DIRECTED BY: Rolie Nikiwe (Rhythm City)

CAST: Marius Weyers (Die Wonderwerker), Lilian Dube, Desmond Dube , Jamie Bartlett (Isidingo), Casper De Vries (Taxi to Soweto), Kenneth Nkosi (Mad

Buddies), Zahara

RATING:

Currently screening at Ster-Kinekor Northgate.

PLOT: Axe Gumede (Thapelo Mokoena) is a self-absorbed, pretty boy who is all about the money. With Jozi-style thinking, Axe believes hat if he looks good and lives well he’ll make it big, but sadly, his lifestyle is way beyond his means. Axe borrows money from everyone he knows, until the Joburg loan sharks (Casper De Vries and Warren Masemole) step in. It’s time to pay up. The tsotsis make sure that Axe is caught driving underhe influence and Axe, true to form, gets sassy with the judge, landing himself community service in an old age home. Through the antagonising resident, Hendrick Botha (Marius Weyers) and the beautiful caretaker, Reneilwe (Mmabatho Montsho) Axe begins to learn that people are more than just commodities. When he is faced with the deal of a lifetime by selling the retirement home, Axe must decide if he really believes in “nothing for mahala”.

THE GOOD: Thapelo Mokoena and Mmabatho Montsho sizzle on screen. Jozi’s scenery shots are outstanding and with the soundtrack that comes with them, there’s no mistaking the richness of South Africa’s largest city. Classic local humour plays off against a message that strikes at the very core, encouraging discussion that continues long after the movie is over. In playing “Spot the Actor”, South Africans are treated to a first class production with many favourite celebrities.

THE BAD: As a South African living in Johannesburg, I found little to complain about and more to be proud of. In the advertising, Zahara was due to make her acting debut, but had a very small part and only makes an impact at the end, during the Noma Kunjani’ theme song. Some people may get irritated with the sub-titles, but the children who viewed the movie had no issues and neither did I.

THE VERDICT: Nothing for Mahala is a stirring, inspirational and honest movie that is incredibly funny. In a delicate balancing act, this story displays the diversity that makes South Africans question, yet again, what defines us. A superb film for all ages and one that the country will be proud to share.

*Thanks to Ster-Kinekor Northgate for making the review possible.