Lesotho-born Atang Mokoenya (Zenzo Ngqobe, addictively watchable) has been scraping by on the mean streets of Johannesburg but when his father dies and he decides to honour the old man’s wishes to be buried back home, Atang must come to terms with his past. In many ways, writer-director Andrew Mudge’s affecting mini epic is reminiscent of many classic realist 19th-century novels, in a good way, complete with moral reformations, social issues of the day addressed (Atang’s love interest has a sister dying from Aids), colourful supporting characters and a light dusting of the supernatural. At the same time, it’s also pleasingly cinematic with lots of breathtaking vistas, atmospheric music and a steady dramatic pulse, all buttressed by some rather fine acting from the ensemble. Some may find the end result a trifle predictable and too audience-pleasing in its final uplift, but for others that will be its unique selling point.
