I was extremely apprehensive seeing the film. I do not trust most Academy predictions, and lately they have been exceptionally bad with their Foreign Language choices. Having already seen fellow nominees Joyeux Noel and Fateless and not being overwhelmed by either, I had even less to hope for here. I was warned that the film was sentimental, and I guess it was with these ridiculously low expecations that I was able to appreciate the film. Likewise I wanted to write a proper review, but Howard pretty much says it better than I could. He's got his facts, and seems to have had the same reaction to it that I did. I recall some people being surprised at the films Oscar victory, but based on the three nominees I've seen, I'd say the right choice was made, even if the best foreign language films were again unnominated. First rate film, and the crowd wasn't exactly speechless after I saw it, because I was one of only four people there, but for once I wasn't the only person sitting through all of the credits. The soundtrack was also quite impressive, being relatively unfamiliar with South African music I was quite a fan, if this film did a little better, I could easily see an African music fad, which sort of happened when Paul Simon made Graceland.

Grade A