Losing Lerato
{{Short description|2019 South African film}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Losing Lerato Poster.jpg
| writer = {{Plainlist|
- Ricardo Arendse
- Kagiso Modupe
- Sanele Zulu
}}
| story = Kagiso Modupe
| director = Sanele Zulu
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Kagiso Modupe
- Patrick Mofokeng
- Tshimollo Modupe
- Samela Tyelbooi
- Connie Chiume
- Thato Molamu
- Ayanda Borotho
- Zandile Msutwana
}}
| music = Brian Temba
| country = South Africa
| language = English
Zulu
| producer = {{Plainlist|
}}
| cinematography = Gavin Sterley
| editing = Bongani Tshikawu
| runtime = 96 minutes
| studio = {{Plainlist|
- Bakwena Productions
- Kagiso Modupe Film
}}
| distributor = Netflix
| released = {{Film date|2019|09|13|df=y}}
}}
Losing Lerato is a 2019 South African action drama film produced by Kagiso Modupe and Bakwena Productions. It was directed by Sanele zulu and written by Ricardo Arendse and Kagiso Modupe.The film stars Patrick Mofokeng, Connie Chiume, Ayanda Borotho, Tshimollo Modupe, Samela Tyelbooi and Kagiso Modupe.
The film was released on Netflix streaming platform on September 13, 2019.
Synopsis
The film follows Thami, a struggling young man who lost his job at a prestigious firm due to fraud accusations. This incident is the breaking point for his wife, Noluthando who is concerned about her future, leaves him, taking their daughter Lerato with her, and marries a local politician, Jake.
Thami is then faced with Noluthando's persistent efforts to block his access to Lerato. After exhausting all legal options and driven by his longing to reunite with his daughter, Thami decides to abduct Lerato from school. His attempt to spend a day with her quickly spirals into chaos, resulting in a tense standoff with the police and endangering not only their lives but also those of other passengers, leading to a dramatic hostage situation on the bus.
Cast
- Kagiso Modupe as Thami
- Tshimillo Modupe as Lerato
- Samela Tyelbooi as Noluthando
- Nolo Phiri as Detective Nkala
- Thato Molamu as Jake
- Connie Chiume as Gogo on Bus
- Ayanda Borotho as Principal Modise
- Patrick Mofokeng as Station Commander
- Don Mlangeni as SWAT Commander
- Mandla Gaduka as Constable Xaba
- Zandile Msutwana as Teacher
- Mapaseka Koetle Nyokong as Bus Hostess
- Fezile Makhanya as Sniper
- Gabisile Tshabalala as Pregnant Passenger
- Mmarona Motshegoa as Little Kgomotso's Mother
- Thulani Msiza as Kgomotso's Father
Production
Losing Lerato was produced by Bakwena Productions, with Principal photography
Release
The film was released in South Africa on September 13, 2019.{{Cite web |last=yomzansi |date=2019-09-09 |title=Local film 'Losing Lerato' arrives in cinemas this week |url=https://www.yomzansi.com/2019/09/09/local-film-losing-lerato-arrives-in-cinemas-this-week/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE |language=en-US}} It received a positive reception from audiences and critics alike for its compelling story and strong performances, particularly from Kagiso Modupe and his real-life daughter Tshimillo Modupe.{{Cite web |last=Serame |first=Moroetsana |title=Dad and daughter duo star in Losing Lerato |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/trending/dad-and-daughter-duo-star-in-losing-lerato-20190913 |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=City Press |language=en-US}}
Box Office
Losing Lerato grossed over R4.1 million ($217,878) during its first five weeks of release,{{Cite web |last=Seemela |first=Masego |date=19 September 2019 |title='I'm super excited': Kagiso Modupe's film Losing Lerato a box office winner |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2019-09-19-im-super-excited-kagiso-modupes-film-losing-lerato-a-box-office-winner/#google_vignette |website=timeslive.co.za}} marking it a commercial success in the South African film market.{{Cite web |last=Maliba |first=Amanda |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Independent movie 'Losing Lerato' grosses R4.1m in five weeks |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/independent-movie-losing-lerato-grosses-r41m-in-five-weeks-36040809 |website=iol.co.za}}{{Cite web |last=Walubengo |first=Peris |date=2019-10-28 |title=Local movie, 'Losing Lerato', managed to gross R4.1 million in 5 weeks |url=https://briefly.co.za/40951-local-movie-losing-lerato-managed-gross-r41-million-5-weeks.html |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=Briefly |language=en}}
Reception
{{Film and game ratings
| rev1 = IMDb
| rev1score = {{Rating|7.2|10}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10968812/|title=Losing Lerato Review {{!}} Movie, Reviews, Credits|last=l|date=|website=IMDb|access-date=August 9, 2024}}
| rev2 = TV Time
| rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvtime.com/movie/37609cf6-76da-4b7b-9184-9f4bacbe3509/|title=Losing Lerato Review {{!}} Movie, Reviews, Credits|last=l|date=|website=TV Time|access-date=August 9, 2024}}
}}Critics praised the film for its emotional depth and the cast's performances. The father-daughter dynamic between Kagiso and Tshimillo Modupe was highlighted as a standout element of the film.{{Cite web |last=Bambalele |first=Patience |date=18 September 2019 |title=Losing Lerato movie hits number one spot in most Joburg cinemas |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2019-09-18-losing-lerato-movie-hits-number-one-spot-in-most-joburg-cinemas/ |website=sowetanlive.co.za}}{{Cite web |title='Losing Lerato' irons out country's pressing issues |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/movies/losing-lerato-irons-out-countrys-pressing-issues-33333209#google_vignette}}{{Cite web |last=Tembu |first=Xolani |date=September 17, 2019 |title=Losing Lerato - A Review |url=https://culture-review.co.za/losing-lerato-a-review |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=culture-review.co.za |language=en}}
Sequel
The sequel, Losing Lorato 2 was released on 2 August 2024 exclusively on Netflix.{{Cite web |last=illythehost |date=2024-07-23 |title=LOSING LERATO 2 PREMIERES ON NETFLIX 2 AUGUST 2024 |url=https://hypemagazine.co.za/2024/07/23/losing-lerato-2-premieres-on-netflix-2-august-2024/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=HYPE Magazine |language=en-GB}}
Awards
The film was submitted to the International Indian Film Academy Awards 2020 to qualify as a nominee for the Award for Best Film. Losing Lerato received several nominations and awards.{{Cite web |last=Zeeman |first=Kyle |date=16 March 2020 |title=Halala! Kagiso Modupe's film wins six awards at international film festival |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2020-03-16-halala-kagiso-modupes-film-wins-six-awards-at-international-film-festival/ |archive-date= |website=timeslive.co.za}}
- Golden Era Humanitarian Narrative Award (2020)
- Best Child Performance for Tshimillo Modupe at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (2020) {{Cite web |author=Xoliswa Kali |date=2020-03-25 |title=Losing Lerato wins big in Califonia |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/african-reporter/135789/losing-lerato-wins-big-in-califonia/ |access-date=2024-08-07 |website=African Reporter |language=en-US}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb title}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
- {{Netflix title}}
Category:Netflix original films
Category:English-language South African films
Category:South African drama films
Category:South African action films