Liyana
Abramorama | Release Date: October 10, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
80
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
0
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenFeb 28, 2018
A lyrical work that’s as bright and captivating as it is poignant. Read full review
88
RogerEbert.comMatt FagerholmOct 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
85
Paste MagazineAmy GlynnNov 1, 2018
It never hurts to be reminded of how powerful storytelling actually is. Read full review
80
L.A. WeeklyKaren HanOct 31, 2018
The animation that brings Liyana to life, created by Shofela Coker, is gorgeous, but the reason it resonates has everything to do with the way it’s woven into footage of the children telling Liyana’s story or going about their everyday business. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersOct 18, 2018
The children’s stories alone would have been compelling, but illustrating them in this medium adds even more depth, nuance and emotion. Read full review
80
VarietyGuy LodgeOct 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
75
Movie NationRoger MooreOct 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
75
The Film StageJared MobarakFeb 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
70
The New York TimesBen KenigsbergOct 9, 2018
By addressing strife in Africa in a roundabout way, Liyana breaks free of the heaviness that can weigh down an issue-based documentary. Read full review
70
Film ThreatBrian ThompsonOct 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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80 Critic Reviews

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