Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
South African romantic comedy has some drinking, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lobola Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LOBOLA MAN, Ace (Lawrence Maleka) is a womanizer who makes a living uncovering scam "lobola," the economic offerings made by men to the family of their future wives. When Ace suspects Zandile (Kwanele Mthethwa) is not all she appears to be, he tries to seduce her and save his client Duke (Sandile Mahlangu) from a doomed marriage.
Is It Any Good?
There is a charming movie somewhere within Thabang Moleya's romantic comedy, but an overlong run time and a flimsy premise drown it. Although the cultural practice at the center of Lobola Man can be seen as sexist and old-fashioned, the film could have overcome this by relying more on the charm of its main characters than adding plot twists to its muddled storyline.
It doesn't help that at the center of its already-confusing plot there's an unsatisfying twist that makes Ace go from a hero we were starting to like to a villain. There is nothing wrong with dislikable characters, but in a romantic comedy they don't serve a purpose.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ace as a main character. Is he a lead you can root for? What values does he have?
What do you think about the ending?
What is a "lobola"? Where could you go to learn more about the custom?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 12, 2024
- Cast : Lawrence Maleka , Kwanele Mthethwa , Sandile Mahlangu
- Director : Thabang Moleya
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 26, 2024
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