SPLICED MOVIES /
ISSUE 01
REVIEW / Nothing for mahala
Nothing for Mahala is part of the
Heartlines project and focuses on the
themes of “Values and Money”, and
although this is at the heart of the film,
it is woven expertly into the narrative
so you never feel as if it’s staring you
in the face. It is continually present
however, and the contrast is set up
right from the beginning, from the
interactions Axe has with his Gogo
(Lillian Dube) to his relationship with
his work colleagues. We are always
aware of the contrast between his
outside veneer and his financial reality.
Lead actress Mmabatho
Montsho had her own
fashion label called
Black Olive Designs.
My only real criticism of Nothing
for Mahala would be the end of the
film, which I felt was abrupt and
unresolved. Regardless of the fact
that this film is a part of an ongoing
Heartlines campaign so there will likely
be a follow up, I felt robbed in many
ways by the lack of closure, and my
mood was slightly dampened by this.
Nevertheless, Nothing for Mahala
is an excellent and well scripted
comedy featuring a host of stellar
local actors that speaks to South
Africans about money, values, love,
friendship and the value of family.?
8
Verdict
Nothing for Mahala
is a heart-warming
story that will reinforce your love
for South African humour and
hopefully make you think more
carefully about the role money
plays in your life.
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