First time watching a Zimbabwean film. It is interesting to see the slight variances in African habits without everything really not being different.
Many parents who have had a child have a child out of wedlock may be able to empathize with this family and appreciate how people react differently to different situations.
This is a feel-good movie is available on Amazon and Netflix.
Cook Off got an international audience by being premiered in Europe: Netherlands and had screenings in Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Botswana, Zambia, US, UK, Russia, France, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand.
Watch Cook Off trailer
The Story
A single mother, so in love with her child is looking to improve her circumstances and agrees to participate in a cooking competition her son enrolls her. However, enemies from her past will just not let her be. With the help o new friends, she manages to overcome her situation but will she be able to take the grand price home despite the lack of support she faces?
The story has some obvious twists and turns but is not totally predictable. It’s nice – no unique phrases but there is a sweet uniqueness to the boy meets girl situation in this movie.
Watch Cook-Off on Amazon Prime
The Actors
My favorite actor in this was Tehn Diamond. He was quite believable followed by Shingai Shoniwa then Tendaiishe Chitima and Charmaine. Zihlo was great as the TV host. I would say most of the acting was good. However, the language did not flow naturally especially with Gogo, Tapiwa, and a number of the other actors. maybe a mix of languages would have given a more natural result.
As judge Shingai Shoniwa
The Cast
Charmaine Mujeri – Charmaine
Chirikure Chirikure – Judge
Eddie Sandifolo – Nhamo
Eugene Zimbudzi – Tapiwa
Fungai Majaya – Milly Ann
Jesese Mungoshi – Gogo
Kevin Hanssen – Judge
Shingai Shoniwa – Self
Tehn Diamond – Prince
Tendaiishe Chitima – Anesu
Tomas Brickhill – JJ
Zihlo – Zihlo
Technical Construction
I suppose most of the success of this movie can be attributed to the acting, cinematography, and sound quality. However, there was not enough background music some areas were just too quiet. What was there was quite good anyhow.
Conclusion
There was something amateurish about the film. Things just did not seem to come together perfectly overall. It is a good movie and could have been better if we had good actors like Tehn. however, he did a good job with what he had.
Rating
I give this movie a 5/10
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