Vaselinetjie
Vaselinetjie

Movie spotlight

Vaselinetjie

2017
Movie
101 min
Afrikaans

At the age of 8, Vaselinetjie is taken away by the Welfare and send to the orphanage. It's a strange, hard, dangerous world of rebel children, fierce house mothers,friends, first loves and where she finally finds true self-acceptance.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Google Users96%
Director: Corné van RooyenGenres: Drama, Crime

Plot Summary

Set in South Africa in the 1970s, this film tells the story of a young girl named Vaselinetjie who is separated from her mother and placed in a children's home. Despite the harsh realities of her new environment and the societal prejudices she faces due to her mixed heritage, Vaselinetjie finds an unlikely friendship and holds onto hope.

Critical Reception

Vaselinetjie was generally well-received for its powerful performances, particularly from its young lead, and its poignant exploration of themes like identity, belonging, and resilience in a challenging historical context. While some critics noted the film's sensitive handling of difficult subject matter, its emotional impact and authentic portrayal of apartheid-era South Africa were widely praised.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its strong emotional core and compelling lead performance.

  • Appreciated for its sensitive portrayal of difficult childhood experiences and societal issues.

  • Recognized for its authentic depiction of 1970s South Africa.

Google audience: Google users largely approved of Vaselinetjie, highlighting its moving story and the impactful performances of the cast, especially the young actress playing the titular role. Many found the film to be a significant and emotional viewing experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for several awards at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), including Best Actress (Margaretha Reyneke) and Best Supporting Actress (Simone Kruger).

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by South African author Jaco Jacobs.

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