Angeliena (2021) User Reviews

Sweet, gentle, undeveloped as a script

[info-90701 · 7/10 · 25 October 2021]

Even as a poorly developed script, and the lightweightedness of the entire film, it is still worth watching for the underlying message of 'make your dreams big, and your actions even bigger!'

It needed another rewrite and deeper characters. It had the makings of a tug at your heart Dear Frankie, without the talent and skill of Shona Auerbach. Instead it went for and achieved a shallow version of a 70's sitcom when it could have been so much more.

However, that said, the skill of Euodia Samson, the lead, is nothing to shake a stick at! She transformed herself into the character with the skill of Charlize Theron in Monster or Jamie Foxx in Ray, or Judi Dench in The Shipping News or just about anything that Cate Blanchett does! Bravo to her. Wish she had a better vehicle. She is pretty much carrying my 7 rating on her back.

sweet film from S Africa

[ksf-2 · 7/10 · 30 November 2022]

From south africa. Angeliena (euodia samson) doesn't have much, but she does have spirit. And the love of her many friends. She's a parking lot attendant, and we know she has some unspoken illness. Angeliena loses her job, and she's having a hard time getting into a medical trial for treatment. So when a good friend passes away, she books a trip around the world. And that's when the troubles really begin! Can her friends come together to get her through all this? It's a cute little film. Nothing big and grand, but an interesting story. Written and directed by uga carlini. Sadly, kuli roberts, who plays tina, died shortly after this was released. It's mostly fun to watch... some tragedy and loss. And i think they added cgi effects that weren't necessary. I liked the energy that the characters all show and the natural colors of the flowers. The ending felt a bit rushed, but it was still interesting to watch. And there's a fun running gag of how she pays for things. Showing on the netflix.

Quite Fun

[ichiniikunsan · 7/10 · 22 October 2021]

This movie has quite a sad story to it, however Angeliena's bright and colourful world adds so much more to it. This movie really showcases why people need to live their dreams, before its too late. And also why it is so important to be unabashedly yourself. And because Angeliena is such a light in everybody's lives, it is touching to see how they look out for her in return. The main antagonist is very annoying which means he did alright. I also liked the diversity of the characters as well.

However, I must deduct points because at time the script of the movie fell a bit flat, and because the dynamics between the characters weren't engaging enough for me. Also I wish I could've learnt more about the characters and seen Angeliena's journey!

Heartwarming and colorful

[fineheartworks · 17 October 2021]

Unique and creative storytelling that's heartwarming and colorful like the people it represents. A work of heart. The highly acclaimed cast tells you something about the respect and appreciation the director has earned amongst her peers, and she can be well proud.

South African Cinema on Netflix

[DogePelis2015 · 6/10 · 24 October 2021]

It is decent and unpretentious; the plot is passable and the acting of Euodia Samson is decent; Uga Carlini has a lot of potential as a film director.

Embarrassingly Shallow

[fleeTOKOLOSHI · 1/10 · 25 October 2021]

Where does one even begin with this mess?

A completely altruistic shot at a 'film' by what I'm guessing appears to be a white director that has no business attempting this story. Stories like this deserve authentic voices that don't fall flat.

The structure is way off, there is no character development, the script feels like it was written by a high schooler. The one-liners are pathetic, the acting is exceedingly poor. Did the 'actor' portraying the villain even know what genre he was in? That's where a director should be able to help, but there's nothing there. Unfortunately this is par for the course when it comes to South African movies.

The worst part about it all, is the laughable approach at portraying someone with muscular atrophy. It felt awfully convenient, it wasn't believable, and it took itself sadly seriously.

Much like the attempts to show on-screen 'perfect person' Nelson Mandela without flaws over the years; the character here doesn't feel, speak, or behave like a real person but they also happen to be without flaw.

Angeliena is proudly South African

[mejthea · 8/10 · 18 October 2021]

This movie touched my heart so much. Everyone out there must see this to realise to never give up on their dreams. Who cares about your circumstances - keep on believing! Anything is possible and Angeliena showed us that with so much laughter, tears and love in this movie. South Africans can be proud to say this was produced here!!!

Ok

[svader · 2/10 · 24 October 2021]

When does the comedy start? Oh it's finished.

That is the film in a nutshell.

No backstory on Angelina didn't really care for her.

What the fake rasta man who did her passport talking about irie man and one love.

Miss it.

Angeliena giving me all the feels! For Real!

[annabemarais · 10/10 · 16 October 2021]

Angeliena not only made me proud to call myself South African but gave me all the feels. I laughed, I cried, and I went through all the emotions (and more). I want to shout it from the rooftops - WATCH ANGELIENA! It's the feel-good movie we've all been needing and waiting for!

Amateur hour in South Africa

[blancospacek · 3/10 · 15 January 2022]

Lots of effusive user reviews here, but they're inexplicable.

If you want to see a movie where the downtrodden of SA magically win, this film is for you. If you want to see a comedy that is charming and engaging, move on. The script is amateurish and hardly communicates a cogent plot. A real movie script should not require a "let's pretend this happened" element. That's kidstuff. The acting is a reminder that real actors DO exist, just elsewhere. The "good" characters are non-white, and the evil characters are white. Bring your ax, because this movie will help you grind it. The true magic of "Angeliena" is that it got made at all.

All due respect, but this thing is slap-dash and a waste of viewers' time.

Fantastic movie from start to finish!

[shorttmichelle · 10/10 · 16 October 2021]

Loved this home grown movie. Such real life characters that made me laugh and brought a few tears to my eyes too. I was so caught up in the story line and enjoyed every minute. Definitely 10/10!!

Some pure and truly South African entertainment

[conroy_faber · 8/10 · 16 October 2021]

I enjoyed the story, writing and hearing my mother tongue Afrikaan (Ive been living abroad for many years now).

The scriptwriting touches modern day issues and also gives answers or guidelines towards resolving these. I enjoyed the magical world Angeliena lives in.

Beautiful storytelling

[dionnedames · 10/10 · 17 October 2021]

A beautiful emotional roller coaster adventure ride. Angeliena is a story about adversity, overcoming fear, friendships and wanderlust. Visually captivating, with Cape Town as the backdrop to superb storytelling. A must watch.

Seriously loved it !

[mihirsoni-81860 · 10/10 · 16 October 2021]

Angeliena is one of those feel good movies that will leave you laughing and crying with its high moments and low ones. This film really does have you supporting and caring for all the characters (almost!), and does a really great job in reminding us that we are all human, and we shouldn't fail to see that everyone is dealing with something, and that everyone has dreams of their own. It inspires teamwork, resolve, strength, and an embodiment of everything South African. I absolutely loved it !

A little bit of magic dust - exactly what we need right now!

[anlezia-mone · 9/10 · 18 October 2021]

Even though ANGELIENA isn't written to be about the current pandemic and socio-economic and health crisis we're living in right now, the themes of hope supporting one another are so universal, that I felt it was exactly what I needed to be reminded of the beautiful, colorful experiences life has to offer! The movie itself is cinematically so gorgeous, it makes my heart flutter and eyes twinkle!

The storytelling was complex and nuanced, yet didn't feel like it weighed me down, instead, it took a look at people going through tough times, and inspired me to pay more attention to the magic in the world around us, like Angeliena and her supporting characters do. Absolutely beautifully done, in my opinion, this will eventually become an art piece with a cult-like following!

Real feel good movie

[terriclarew · 10/10 · 18 October 2021]

This was funny, witty and truly soulful South African movie. I enjoyed following Angeliena story, I cried with her, laughed with her and celebrated with her. Heartfelt story of friendship and sisterly love. I can't wait to rewatch. LOVE IT AND YOU WILL TO!

South African treasure

[lpio-03952 · 10/10 · 16 October 2021]

A gem of a movie. It was beautifully filmed and made me laugh and cry. I didn't want it to end! Loved the characters and phenomenal acting. Great soundtrack too.

Heartwarming and dunny with a message

[lesterhuyzen · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

This film took me on a emotional journey from start to finish - laugher, anger, frustration, shedding a tear. Set in the Rainbow Nation, South Africa the colourful actors and storyline explores the best and worse of human nature and reminds us all to seize the day. Thoroughly enjoyed. Well worth a watch!

Fantastic!

[MainManFilms · 10/10 · 7 November 2021]

This film is proof positive that great stories and the director's vision can be successfully translated to the screen. The originality coupled with excellent casting made this an enjoyable viewing experience. Hats off to 'Team Angeliena' you did it!

The South African film you should be watching right now

[juliancleophas · 8/10 · 17 October 2021]

The film gave me such a new found perspective based on us being so quick to judge the next person etc because we all have dreams and goals and to add, I love stories of the underdog!

A truly pure South African film which hits every nail on the head, in terms of the characters being truthful to the people they play based on the respective backgrounds they come from. It will have you laughing and next moment you will be consumed with emotion by the journey of Angeliena. The powerful thing that I took from this was that no matter your circumstance you are still capable of achieving your dreams.

To conclude, if there was a list of South African films that had to be selected to show the world, this would definitely be on that list.

Telling it like it is!

[maenewman · 9/10 · 19 October 2021]

We have often heard that no one can tell a story quite like we can...and we did it again with this movie! We managed to laugh, cry & and got vrek angry at a certain character all the while knowing that the good ending is on its way. An absolute celebration of the SA we all love...we see you bad guy and we smiling as the good ending is peaking through the skyline!

Sterling job cast & everyone involved!

Thank you Angeliena

[saskiarosenberg · 10/10 · 19 October 2021]

Every now and then a little magic gets shared and that's exactly what this film is.

The characters are wonderful, soulful and this film is a visual feast of colour and visual happiness.

It is directed in a way that at all times feels real. It's not trying to be anything other than itself and that kind of realness is absolutely refreshing.

The cast have depth and their stories are real and relatable and I salute you all.

Well done on a heartwarming, beautiful film.

The message will stay with me always.

Joyful and Heartfelt

[prua-86690 · 10/10 · 18 October 2021]

I loved this film.

A bright and beautiful tribute to South Africa and her extraordinary people.

The pace keeps viewers enthralled, and fantastic performances from the likes of Euodia Samson and Tshamano Sebe keep you wholeheartedly invested. The locations are almost a character in themselves, and the sensitive direction of Uga Carlini combines realism and escapism to poetic effect.

A really lovely film.

The best film of 2021!

[ninjagirl1210 · 10/10 · 24 October 2021]

I was looking for fun ,happy . Sentimental and beautiful human drama movie .

And I found 'Angeliena'.

I loved the story, fashion, music, location and I fell in love with each charactor!

I cried, laughed and smiled!

I needed a movie something like Angeliena while I've been under many stresses.

And after I watched Angeliena, I was full of confidence in myself to stay positive.

I just love everything about Angeliena movie!

Magical Realism with a side of self-love & possibilities

[paolinamilana · 10/10 · 23 October 2021]

This feel-good film is packed with colorful characters and a roller-coaster of emotions. Set aside your stereotypical judgements and suspend your disbelief and for roughly 90 minutes BE present in the power of what is possible when we love ourselves, follow our hearts, and connect with community. Loved it and get more and more messages each time I watch it (yes, it's that good to watch over and over).