Literature Review - Assignment Example

Film Review The film “Life, Above All” is directed by Oliver Schmitz. Oliver is a director as well as a screen He has directed at least four films and won more than ten awards. The film portrays some of the hardships orphaned children go through in South Africa after their parents die of HIV/AIDS. The issue of orphaned children in South Africa is serious because there are almost 2 million AIDS orphans in the country. After the story in the film ends, the issue it tackles does not end but continues.

Oliver attracted attention in 1987 with his gangster film “Mapantsula.” He has directed other gangster films, documentaries, and TV projects. These projects prepared him well for this film. Other than AIDS, the film also focuses on social problems such as drug abuse, the problem of gossip, and devastation caused by illnesses. After Chandra’s mother (Lillian) is bedridden, the difficult job of caring for her falls on her shoulders. She does this challenging work and the mother eventually dies in dignity.

In traditional South African culture, caring for the sick fell on the wider members of the community and not just immediate relatives (Clark, 2008). This film portrays the breakdown of traditional African values in townships and their consequences for immediate relatives especially in trying moments. The film also dwells on the issue of belief in witchcraft. Traditionally, some African cultures always attributed any sickness or medical condition to black magic (Clark, 2008). Lillian is sent to a witchdoctor in the hope that the connotations she will get from the traditional doctor will heal her.

Visiting the traditional doctor is a cheaper alternative to the expensive conventional treatment that is not affordable. Overall, the film shows how poverty leads to desperate actions. ReferencesClark, D. (2008). South Africa: The Culture. Atlanta: Crabtree PublishingSchmitz, O. (Director). (2010). Life, above all [Motion picture]. South Africa : Peccadillo Pictures.