Review of Life, Above All (2010) by Robert H — 09 Oct 2011
In a culture ravaged by AIDS, it's not difficult to accept the maturity exhibited in the 12 year old girl, Chanda. She has few opportunities to smile but many moments requiring active response well beyond her years.
The opening sequence provides the a jolt that fades quickly: the death of her baby sister "from influenza" forces Chanda to act for her mother negotiating a coffin for the baby. The undertaker's easy transition from waiting with Chanda for her mother to arrive to simply accepting that Chanda herself will make the arrangements speaks to how common it must be for children to carry the mantle of their parents when so many children have been left in a similar position.
By the conclusion, it is clear that Chanda is an extraordinary girl but it's clear that there must be many like her to make survival possible, even if the vast majority of those orphaned by AIDS possibly face desperate circumstances driving far riskier, unhealthy behavior.
This is a movie that must be seen. Take a box of tissues.
This review of Life, Above All (2010) was written by Robert H on 09 Oct 2011.
Life, Above All has generally received positive reviews.
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