South Africa's new film, “Piano Love” directed by Mandla N has made its debut on Netflix and has received mixed reviews on social media. While some viewers are praising the film’s acting and storyline, others felt the film was rushed and poorly cut, questioning whether it was worth watching.
The film, explores music, dance, romance, and drama, starring hip-hop artist Senzo 'Kwesta' Vilakazi as Sipho and well known choreographer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi as Lerato.
“Piano Love’’ tells the story of two childhood friends who grow apart and then reconnect after encountering different challenges in the entertainment industry.
Fans had different reaction to the film, with some praising it and others criticising it. The major concern was the editing, with viewers saying it disrupted the film's flow and made it appear rushed.
@Jabu_Macdonald, Commented on the editing that felt like it was disturbing the flow of the film. “I finally watched #PianoLove. The movie had so much potential, but honestly, the editing and pacing really bothered me. It felt rushed for some reason.
While I definitely enjoyed the music, the editing was a major issue for me—it felt like they were randomly shuffling good songs into scenes without much thought.
I don't want to be too harsh on Kwesta and Bontle, but most of the scenes felt like Kwesta was either overthinking or trying to remember his lines. However, shoutout to Peter Mashigo—he did a fantastic job playing the villain.
I watched the film from start to finish, and while it wasn't entirely bad, #PianoLove is Black Brain Pictures's first film on Netflix, and they clearly tried. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their content on the platform.
Overall, l'd give it a 5/10.”
I finally watched #PianoLove.
— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) September 7, 2024
The movie had so much potential, but honestly, the editing and pacing really bothered me. It felt rushed for some reason. While I definitely enjoyed the music, the editing was a major issue for me—it felt like they were randomly shuffling good songs… pic.twitter.com/eKnhFhlZ7C
@redcardexpert, praised kwesta’s acting skills. “Kwesta's acting is not bad, the story line is also not bad, it's the editing....They chopped a lot of scenes that would've made this project great.... #PianoLove”
Kwesta's acting is not bad, the story line is also not bad, it's the editing.... They chopped a lot of scenes that would've made this project great.... #PianoLove
— 👆🏽 RED CARD SPECIALIST👆🏽🇿🇦 (@redcardexpert) September 8, 2024
@komanaItu, praised the film's true depiction of South African reality. “Nna l will always support SA stories. I enjoyed this movie because it really depicted the life we live ekasi especially the crime. Also Kwesta and Bontle really did amazing. #PianoLove”
Nna I will always support SA stories.
I enjoyed this movie because it really depicted the life we live ekasi especially the crime.
Also Kwesta and Bontle really did amazing. #PianoLove
@KingMouze_ said ”That was a heartbreaking movie to watch, I so wish I could unwatch it I'm sure we can do better than that nonsense. I forgive myself for expecting more, I believe TV writers shouldn't write screenplays PIRIOD ! Writing a movie structure in an art form#PianoLove”
That was a heartbreaking movie to watch, I so wish I could
— JABULANI PHAMBANA (@KingMouze_) September 7, 2024
unwatch it I'm sure we can
do better than that nonsense. I forgive myself for expecting more, I believe TV writers shouldn’t write screenplays PIRIOD❗️Writing a movie structure in an art form😏
#PianoLove
@Mehlo_Bubu, felt that the film was rushed. “The editing and feeling rushed lost them points. The acting wasn't bad; even the supporting cast was on point. Should have made it a 4-6 part series so they have room to go deeper on the parts they rushed. It felt like they were scared to go hard on it. 7/10”
The editing and feeling rushed lost them points. The acting wasn't bad; even the supporting cast was on point. Should have made it a 4-6 part series so they have room to go deeper on the parts they rushed. It felt like they were scared to go hard on it. 7/10
— MAMBHATHANE ❤ (@Mehlo_Bubu) September 8, 2024
@mr_shimmy, reflected on the emotional moment when Lerato, played by Bontle Modiselle-Moloi, is forced into a compromising situation, reflecting on a reality faced by many women in entertainment industry.
“The part on Piano Love where Lerato is forced to sleep with Biblos really made me angry, because it's a sad reflection of the reality our world has become. #PianoLove”
The part on Piano Love where Lerato is forced to sleep with Biblos really made me angry, because it's a sad reflection of the reality our world has become.😤 #PianoLove
— ISHMAEL 🏴☠️☠️🇿🇦🇨🇩🇵🇸 (@mr_shimmy) September 8, 2024
IOL