Liyana

Name: Liyana
Genre: Animation, Documentary
Released: October 10, 2018
Duration: 77 min
Rating: 80
Cast: Gcina Mhlophe

2018

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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7.0

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 4 Ratings

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Liyana

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Movie Details & Credits

Abramorama | Release Date: October 10, 2018 | NR

Starring: Gcina Mhlophe

Summary: Five Swazi orphaned children turn their past trauma into creative fuel for an original collective fairytale, in which they send a young girl on a dangerous quest.

Director: Aaron Kopp and Amanda Kopp

Genre(s): Animation, Documentary

Rating: NR

Runtime: 77 min

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Critic Reviews

Sheri Linden

Feb 28, 2018

A lyrical work that’s as bright and captivating as it is poignant. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Matt Fagerholm

Oct 9, 2018

As tough as the subject matter may get at times, the film is guaranteed to be an uplifting one for viewers of all ages, with its emphasis placed on the joy of its subjects, whether it be in their everyday life or in the midst of their creative process. Read full review

Amy Glynn

Nov 1, 2018

It never hurts to be reminded of how powerful storytelling actually is. Read full review

Guy Lodge

Oct 10, 2018

It’s a simple but stirring tale, lent character by the boys’ endearingly eager telling and atmospheric texture by Coker’s inspired visual interpretation. Read full review

Movie Nation Roger Moore

Oct 8, 2018

Liyana is still a wonder, and the story the kids cook up themselves every bit as epic as the one Disney plagiarized for “The Lion King.” This effort turns out so delightful that somebody should hire these children as focus group consultants the next time Hollywood wants to tell a tale of Africa. Read full review

The Film Stage Jared Mobarak

Feb 28, 2018

A unique hybrid wherein fact is projected through a prism of fiction as both a mechanism to educate outsiders and heal from within. Read full review

Brian Thompson

Oct 8, 2018

Though Liyana often feels more like an exercise in storytelling than a complete narrative, it is heartwarming to see the kids light up as they work together to create art out of their hardship. Read full review

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User Reviews

amarie

Oct 20, 2019

Truly original approach, gorgeous, and inspiring. The animation is breathtaking and the the music is top notch. The kids who write the story are simply amazing and to see Africans in charge of their own story is refreshing. Thank you!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RAISEDbyWOLVES

Oct 13, 2018

Beautiful animation and an engrossing tale spun by a class of orphans who create the story from their own lives. @ CIFF42

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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