Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heir swaps lives with a poor friend; language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Love and Wine
What's the Story?
Ovee (Ntobeko Sishi) is a goodhearted but spoiled playboy in LOVE AND WINE. His disdainful father (Bongile Mantsai) often orders his son to buckle down and take his place in his corporate empire. But that demand seems to value making money above all else and holds no appeal for Ovee. In the meantime, Ovee is drifting, partying, drinking, womanizing but also showing his charitable nature by keeping the local flower lady afloat. He grew up with his closest friend Nathi (Thandolwethu Olly Zondi), whose mom cooks for the family. When the two bet that without Ovee's money, he wouldn't have success with women, Ovee switches ID cards with his friend and pursues an attractive doctor named Amahle (Masali Baduza). She doesn't give him the time of day, so the bet continues as the two compete in his dad's winery internship program.
Is It Any Good?
With its able cast, Love and Wine retells an old story but with its own appeal, through the lens of Black South African culture. Like The Prince and the Pauper, Sullivan's Travels, and Trading Places, to name a few rich-and-poor-swapping stories, this version opens a rudderless heir's eyes to the privilege he's been blindly enjoying. Although things wrap up a bit tidily and quickly, it's satisfying to watch Ovee begin to understand injustice, class, entitlement, and identity. Out of that he comes to appreciate his culture, and dedicates himself to helping others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the notion of privilege and how some are oblivious to the advantages they have.
Do you think people who want to be friends with the rich want power? Money? Influence? What does this movie say about those desires?
Do you think people with financial security owe some debt to the society that allowed them to accumulate their wealth? How does Ovee's transformation to a benefactor tie into that idea?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 5, 2025
- Cast : Masali Baduza , Thandolwethu Olly Zondi , Ntobeko Sishi
- Director : Amanda Lane
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , African Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 15, 2025
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