Life, Above All Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: Life, Above All
| Movie | Life, Above All |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| Director | Oliver Schmitz |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Life, Above All (2010) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Life, Above All are led by Khomotso Manyaka . The supporting cast, including Keaobaka Makanyane and Lerato Mvelase , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Life, Above All stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Life, Above All has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Life, Above All
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2010, Life, Above All is a Drama film directed by Oliver Schmitz, written by Dennis Foon. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Khomotso Manyaka as Chanda.
Ending Explained: Life, Above All
Life, Above All Ending Explained: A touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects the modern South Africa. Directed by Oliver Schmitz, this 2010 drama film stars Khomotso Manyaka (Chanda), alongside Keaobaka Makanyane as Esther, Lerato Mvelase as Lillian, Tinah Mnumzana as Aunt Lizbet. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Life, Above All?
A touching mother-daughter relationship that reflects the modern South Africa.
How Does Khomotso Manyaka (Chanda)'s Story End?
- Khomotso Manyaka : Khomotso Manyaka 's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Keaobaka Makanyane (Esther): Keaobaka Makanyane's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Lerato Mvelase (Lillian): Lerato Mvelase's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Life, Above All Mean?
Life, Above All's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Khomotso Manyaka may feel rushed. Oliver Schmitz's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
Life, Above All Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Life, Above All Based on a True Story?
No, Life, Above All is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Oliver Schmitz and starring Khomotso Manyaka may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Life, Above All?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Khomotso Manyaka or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch Life, Above All Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeLife, Above All Parents Guide & Age Rating
2010 AdvisoryWondering about Life, Above All age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Life, Above All (2010) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Oliver Schmitz, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, Life, Above All is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2010 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life, Above All worth watching?
Life, Above All is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Life, Above All parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Life, Above All identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Life, Above All (2010)?
The runtime of Life, Above All (2010) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

