Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring, unique film tells two stories of perseverance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
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Liyana
What's the Story?
LIYANA follows five Swazi children as they craft a fictional story under the guidance of award-winning storyteller Gcina Mhlophe. Drawing on experiences from their own lives, the children spin a grim but empowering story about a girl named Liyana who must save her younger twin brothers from kidnappers who plan to sell them. The children must decide how Liyana's and ultimately their own stories will end.
Is It Any Good?
This unique film is a powerful, inspiring, innovative, and beautiful way to reveal how some pretty resilient children are coping with hardship and ugliness they've experienced. Directors Aaron and Amanda Kopp use an engrossing tactic to keep the film from being relentlessly tragic: Five children growing up in a Swaziland (now known as eSwatini) orphanage work together to write a fairy tale, with their teacher advising the camera crew that the kids will naturally put their own experiences into the story. Viewers may likely feel a pit in their stomach as these enthusiastic, imaginative children don't bat an eye at incorporating elements of child abuse, philandering alcoholic fathers, the spread of HIV, and armed men who steal children from their beds in the middle of the night.
The five children are wholly engaging and appealing: They're precocious, animated, and sweet -- it's impossible not to fall in love. They smile with pride as they tell the story they've imagined, all accompanied by sublime illustrations. And while their tale is captivating, it's also more than that: It's inspirational to the young authors themselves. The most magnificent moment in the film is when the children acknowledge that there's no reason to hope that life will get better ... and yet, in those beaming faces, you know hope is alive.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difficulties and dangers that Liyana faces. The storyteller explains that the children's own experiences will be reflected in the story. Which elements do you think came from their real lives? How is life in Swaziland different than life in the United States?
How does Liyana act with perseverance and courage? How do the children represent these traits? Why are these important character strengths?
The storyteller guides the children through the process of creative writing. Did you pick up anything that would help you write and create characters? Would you want to be a professional storyteller?
The children have lived through trauma, which unfortunately isn't unusual where they live. The film states that 1 out of 6 people in Swaziland are children who've been orphaned in similar situations. Do you think it's easier to deal with a difficult situation if many others have had the same experience?
The kids who wrote Liyana's story seem to find inspiration in the story they wrote. Why is Liyana a positive role model? Is she just a positive role model for girls, or do you think boys can also find her story empowering?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 9, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : November 19, 2019
- Cast : Gcina Mhlophe
- Directors : Aaron Kopp , Amanda Kopp
- Studio : Abramorama
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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