The Valley of a Thousand Hills is Netflix’s latest South African LGBTQ movie that brings to us two women who need to fight to gain their freedom. Directed by Bonie Sithebe, the film stars Sibongokuhle Nkosi, Mandisa Vilakazi, Wiseman Mncube, and Glen Gabela alongside other cast members.
The Valley of a Thousand Hills revolves around a young woman who comes from a conservative tribe and is the tribe chief’s daughter. However, she is expected to marry the man chosen by her father while she hides her relationship with the woman she loves.
Netflix’s synopsis of the movie reads:
In a conservative village community, a loving daughter must decide between the potential husband chosen by her father or her secret true love- a woman.
-The Valley of a Thousand Hills Review contains No spoilers-
The Valley of a Thousand Hills starts off with the coming-of-age ceremony of the village chief’s daughter who is the ideal daughter in the eyes of fellow villagers and is loved by all. The ceremony is celebrated by everyone and she is given a lot of gifts after which she is taken to a place within the hills where an unfinished house stands and is a gift for her from her lover.
This film brings a beautiful story of an unfinished love story without dragging it or making it too complicated for viewers to understand. The story will keep you captivated, though not always as you cannot help but curse at some of the characters in the film.
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However, the message it portrays is a mirror of the society that exists outside our big cities and in the minds of the older generation. As they still take the LGBTQ community as people who have been possessed by the devil and try to push them into exorcism.
On the other hand, it also shows the daughter of the tribe leader who breaks free from all the roles she has had to play and brings in a new form of freedom for everyone watching the movie. While this is not happiness that lasts long, it was worth it as she joins her partner to complete the house on the hills.
And standing in the middle of all the green exists a house that is bright red to show its unique quality that does not shy away from standing out.
Trying to understand the various characters and which part of society they portray is the way to go with this movie because each character holds significance. Be it the father who has portrayed the people of the older generation who are open to new ideas, or the one who holds a significant position in the village but fails to welcome change.
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Even the two main characters show different sides of the LGBTQ community, one wants to love but is afraid of the world, while the other loves and won’t give into society’s ideals. This film has beautifully blended the various parts of today’s world together and is definitely an art that is worthy of applause.
Summing Up: The Valley of a Thousand Hills
Altogether, this is a movie that isn’t much of an entertainer but more of a message relaying a piece of work that does its job well. And while the cinematography may not really do justice to the plot, it is still worth the watch.
Finally, we all hold different opinions and I would like to know what you think of this movie. Do let us know in the comments below!
Watch The Valley of a Thousand Hills on Netflix.
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I thought the movie was insightful and amazing. It showed a side of African culture I was not aware of. I loved both the main characters and I even felt for the father. I think it’s a must watch!
Hi
Did you view the movie in English? I am trying to get the English Language version for quite sometime now
For a battle well fought …. all that was left were tears.
The ending was brutal and sadening to say the least and left me feeling empty and sad for what we have become.
It was beautifully done, and reminds us that it takes courage to stand up to the norms society has put in place for us. It speaks well and shows the fear and pain we must sometimes go through to be “who we truly are”. We must always remember, that love is just that, love, something so special and precious. When and if we ever find it, we must fight for it and cherish it with all our heart, as it may never come around again. . We still have so far to go.
Stay strong my brothers and sisters.
I love this response to the film ????️????????
Well said !
Is this movie available in the English Language?