“Lobola Man”, a 2024 South African romantic comedy which is directed by Thabang Moleya, is all about love, customs and modernity through the prism of lobola – a customary practice of negotiating for a bride in South Africa. The movie became available on Netflix on July 12, 2024.
Synopsis:
The story follows Ace Ngubeni (played by Lawrence Maleka), a well experienced bargainer as he is a lobola negotiator but does not believe or take love seriously. He is also a non-believer in marriage which is ironic because that is what he does for his career, this aversion is all thanks to the trauma he suffered during childhood, his father was a cheater and irresponsibly negligent. Even though he helps different people to get married, he himself refuses to get hitched.
Ace’s perspective begins to alter when he is contracted by Duke (played by Sandile Mahlangu), a mild-mannered tech entrepreneur, to handle the lobola negotiations with his domineering fiancée, Zandile (played by Kwanele Mthethwa) . What Duke doesn’t know is that Zandile and Ace have previously worked together undermining Ace’s belief of having a no strings lifestyle. There’s a misunderstanding between the two parties.
Cast and Performances:
Lawrence Maleka as Ace Ngubeni: Maleka wonderfully carries out the role of Ace Ngubeni as he was able to realistically portray someone who started off as a very successful lobola negotiator but was also extremely scared of love. Which of course makes sense as his own childhood was overshadowed by never ending trauma.
Kwanele Mthethwa as Zandile: Mthethwa credits Zandile with an understanding of strength in femininity as well as tenderness towards women, one who is profound in her belief of tradition, yet aspires to a meaningful bond.
Sandile Mahlangu as Duke: Mahlangu’s interpretation of Duke contributes even more to the story by presenting a man who is ready to fight against cultural practices in favor of the woman he admires.
Thembsie Matu as Aunt Miriam: Matu is also responsible for cracking comic relief and for providing some significance adding to the complex family relations portrayed in the film.
Direction and Cinematography:
The interplay of humor and insightful cultural commentary devoid of sensitivity Tharang Moleya’s creativity, which makes the narrative inviting while encouraging critical thinking amongst audiences. The substance of visual filming relates with the development found in both urban and rural townships in South Africa as they cut across time doubtlessly exposing modernity and tradition.
Themes and Cultural Context:
Abandonment, love, commitment and culture are ideas drummed in the ‘Lobola Man’ with a particular focus on the lobola concept which in easier terms can be understood as a form of a bride price the groom’s side pays the bride’s side. The film seeks to explain how these practices shape relationships as fresh concepts of culture and family ethics collide with existing traditional ideals and concepts.
Critical Reception:
As soon as “Lobola Man” hit the cinema, it was a mixed bag according to reviewers. While some critics appreciated the easy going approach and cultural aspects of the movie, some others criticized it for utilizing basic ideas of a romantic comedy. The film has an audience score of 89 on Moviefone, indicating an approval among Mosgoy’s viewers on the whole.
Availability:
To those in profit seeking South African films and rom coms, “Lobola Man” is able to stream on Netflix, thus easily widening its audience pool.
Conclusion:
The film is quite hilarious and filled with the notions of love and tradition in the current South African scenario, it is a perfect film for everyone. The film has a fine blend of acting and culture which encapsulates the viewers with complexities of the contemporary relationships that revolve around traditional marriage practices.
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