
Is Lien se Lankstaanskoene Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)
This coming-of-age drama tells about a high school girl who resorts to begging to support her family. Lien Jooste’s life falls apart when her father is arrested for fraud and her mother develops a drinking problem. They lose everything and go from being an upstanding, affluent family living in a nice neighbourhood to a broken mess – living in a small flat and struggling to get by. Due to her mother’s drinking, Lien has to take on the role of mother for both her mom and her younger brother Braam.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Lien se Lankstaanskoene offers a fresh and engaging experience that justifies its existence in the 2013 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Lien se Lankstaanskoene, a standout production of 2013, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This coming-of-age drama tells about a high school girl who resorts to begging to support her family. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This coming-of-age drama tells about a high school girl who resorts to begging to support her family. Lien Jooste’s life falls apart when her father is arrested for fraud and her mother develops a drinking problem. They lose everything and go from being an upstanding, affluent family living in a nice neighbourhood to a broken mess – living in a small flat and struggling to get by. Due to her mother’s drinking, Lien has to take on the role of mother for both her mom and her younger brother Braam."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Audiences are treated to a masterclass in acting by Carmen Pretorius, whose portrayal of the protagonist is imbued with a depth and vulnerability that is rare in contemporary Drama. The chemistry with the supporting players is palpable, creating a gravity that pulls the viewer into the screen.
The direction by Andre Odendaal is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 94 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Lien se Lankstaanskoene truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.
The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.3/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Lien se Lankstaanskoene explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2013 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Andre Odendaal respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Lien se Lankstaanskoene serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Carmen Pretorius or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lien se Lankstaanskoene is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.