An extraordinary adventure has reached home video and it really rings the bell with a documentary not like any other. This little film takes you on a journey to a country in Africa where in a very cool way we get the real story that’s been plaguing Swaziland’s population. Nicely directed, written and produced, the film will touch your heart and open your eyes. You don’t have to be a fan of documentaries to enjoy this film, because this one plays out like an adventure drama.
On the outskirts of the Kingdom of Eswatini a country in southern Africa lives the Swazis in their mud huts and farm lands. The city close by allows for the head of the family to work and bring money for food to their homes. But, due to a number of negative living habits by the males of the household, the family lives a meager life. Quite so, that the children suffer and death makes its way into their lives casing them off to orphanages.
But, this true story has a happy ending or as happy one can get not knowing what the future brings for a classroom of orphans. They are a homogeneous group that lives their days farming, cleaning and learning. On this one day however, the class gets introduced to someone special that will change their lives forever. Her name is Gcina Mhlophe and she brings spirit to the class in the form of a special project. She asks the children to come up with a story about someone that will go on an adventure.
The children start out by putting the main character together that they call Liyana. They are the storytellers (Sibusiso, Nomcebo, Phumlani, Mkhuleko, Zweli) and each boy and girl gets to add to the story most of which is personal and happing to them. As the story gets bigger, the children become more open, bringing out their inner feelings and the sufferings and sorrows that they are having in their own lives. Each one of the storytellers tells things that the others relate to or have seen themselves, so the adventure becomes one of difficulties that have tried overcome, wounds that have to be healed, and personal hurts mended.
The artwork that is used in the telling of the adventure of Liyana is very good and really expresses the inner feelings of the group. As Liyana goes through the world that has been created for her she faces a hardened trek up against an inland sea, mountains, a desert and a cave with a monster. Each of her quests are brought out by the tellers who even find Liyana fighting against a band of kidnappers who have caged boys and girls like themselves.
I recommend Liyana to everyone as it will give you a chance to see the lives of the less fortunate through the eyes of the young storytellers. Now available on both DVD and Blu-ray, it’s a great way to share the experience with your family. It’s also a great tool for teachers in the age group of the children in the film and for study groups that are interested in a different way of life in other lands.
FINAL ANALYSIS: It’s a great way to bring a true story to the screen. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
The storytellers: Sibusiso, Nomcebo, Phumlani, Mkhuleko, Zweli
Directed by: Aaron Kopp and Amanda Kopp
Genre: Documentary, Adventure, Animated
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains some violence, peril
Running Time: 1 hr. 17 min.
Video Release Date: November 19, 2019
Language:Mostly English and some Swazi (English Subtitles)
Released on: DVD, Blu-ray, Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
