Life, Above All Page #4

Synopsis: 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 silenc
Genre: Drama
Director(s): Oliver Schmitz
Production: Sony Pictures Classics
  6 wins & 6 nominations.
 
IMDB:
7.1
Metacritic:
65
Rotten Tomatoes:
82%
PG-13
Year:
2010
100 min
$134,078
Website
91 Views


No, it's okay.

That I can guarantee.

Your daughter's loyalty and

intelligence really touch me.

I've decided to give you

a month's free treatment.

You've got nerve interrupting

the doctor like that.

Is that how you raised her?

Mrs. Tafa, she did well for us.

Lillian, the garments are so beautiful.

It's good to see you at church again.

- Lillian!

- You're looking good.

- I need money.

- Go back to school.

It's only 100 rands an hour.

No, go away. Get lost.

What are you looking at?

Go back to your hallelujahs.

Get lost.

What are you doing?

They all think I'm doing it anyway.

This way, I make money.

- You don't need to.

- What are you doing here?

Go away! We don't want kids here!

Go away!

She's right. Go home.

- I want to help you.

- You turned your back on me.

Come here, baby. Over here.

- I'm sorry.

- Yeah, sure.

Don't bother. Go home, I need to work.

Don't play with your food.

Sorry.

Finish eating.

Take me to the bedroom.

You're feverish.

You must go to the hospital.

- So the neighbors can gossip?

- No, because you need help.

I just need to rest...

...then I'll be fine.

It's nothing.

It's just a bruise.

Don't say that, Mama.

You should see a doctor.

A real doctor.

To examine you.

To be tested.

What, Chanda?

What are you saying?

Nothing.

I didn't say anything.

It's just that... Let me take you.

Please, Mama.

You worry too much.

That's enough.

I just need to rest.

- Is your mother here?

- She's lying down.

- I must talk to her.

- She's sleeping.

I've brought Jonah back.

- What?

- He was staying with us.

- He was with you?

- Yes, he seems to be going mad.

He's a drunk!

We don't have all day here!

- Go inside!

- Call your mama.

- Get out!

- I don't want to.

Get out, I tell you!

Kill me, but don't leave me here.

I'd rather die.

Get out!

Sorry, Chanda.

We can't keep him anymore.

Her milk killed my daughter.

My blood is good, my seed too.

You put a curse on me.

We have children.

Forgive me, brother.

Listen to me.

We'll find you a doctor.

A doctor?

I don't want your doctor.

You did this to me.

Dudu?

Is that you?

Help me.

I don't know you.

You're a dead man, a skeleton.

- I don't know you!

- But you and me...

Shut up! Don't talk to me!

Leave me alone! Shut up!

Go back to your homes.

Jonah, I'm sorry. Forgive me.

You can stay here

or come into the house.

Either way, we'll bring you

some water or clothing.

I'm going to the hospital to get help.

There is no help.

Number 325, 325?

- I need an ambulance!

- Get in line!

It's an emergency!

Everybody has an emergency!

Wait your turn!

There's a man who was beaten up.

He's under a cart.

You have to bring him here.

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Dennis Foon

Dennis Foon (born November 18, 1951 in Detroit) is a playwright, producer, screenwriter and novelist. He was artistic director of the Green Thumb Theatre for twelve years, before turning to films and television in 1986. He has written screenplays for many types of drama. In the mid-1990s his personal project Little Criminals became a success in Canada. His novels include The Longlight Legacy trilogy and Skud. Foon was born and raised in Detroit, but has worked and resided in Canada since 1973. more…

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Submitted on August 05, 2018

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