This series is well worth watching – A story of frustrated love at different levels; with parents, siblings, spouses, workmates and even God
It has taken me over 5 years to watch this movie because the cover picture on ShowMax is not very inspiring. Produced in 2013, I eventually watched out of curiosity because it kept coming up. I also wanted to see the younger version of some of my favorite Moswana and South African Actors – quite interesting.
Watch on Showmax
Watch on Showmax
Watch Rockville Trailer
The Story
Themes explored throughout the 4 seasons are love, trust, faith, discipline, and handwork. Later episodes also cover family, corruption, politics, and crime. Season 1 starts on an average tempo, each following season has a heightened pace from the previous ones
This makes the series exciting as opposing worlds collide. However, by the end of season 4 things are moving so fast that I am convinced there are lots of outtakes or the editor just did not know what they were doing. So many gaps such that the credibility of the series is highly compromised.
Season 4 had the most tension, but it felt rushed and the story was left hanging. Earlier episodes, on the other hand, had unnecessary scenes and irritatingly long conversations.
An example is the long and winded conversations between the pastor and Mavis. I think the same could have been achieved without too much repetition.
All said the plot is full of twists and turns especially in the last season, that keep you hooked.
The Actors
The casting is good. There are a change and addition of characters. This keeps the series interesting through the four seasons.
Cast
Amkelekile Prince Gondola – Masego
Ayanda Thabethe – Aliyah
Boity Thulo – Mpho Bogatsu
Bonginkosi Twala – Bra Simon
Bonnie Mbuli (Henna) – Dudu Bogatsu
Brenda Ngxoli – Gladys
Bridget Masinga Kati – Lerato
Charly Azade – Dumi
Connie Ferguson – Mavis
Dorothy Ann Gould – Frankie
Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa – Lindi
Ferry Jele – Joyce
Fezile Makhanya – Sandile
Gail Nkoane Mabalane – Vicky
Hlomla Dandila – Gomorrah
Israel Makoe – bra Ali
JT Medupe – Mdu
Kamo Modiskeng – Bassie
Kenneth Nkosi – Minister Masondo
Kgomotso Christopher – Azania
Khanya Mkangisa – Nolitha
Lehasa Moloi – Oupa Mabaso
Luthuli Dlamini – Mike
Masego Maponyane – TK
Mbali Nkosi – Cindi
Minnie Dlamini – Nosipho Bogatsu
Nomazizi Molose – Granny
Nunu Khumalo – Nosipho Bogatsu
Owen Sejake – Cassius
Psyfo – Sandile
Robby Collins – Coco
Seipati Motshwane – Mmabatho
Selle Sebotsane – Pastor Morake
Sello Maake Ncube – Rolex
Shaleen Surtie-Richards – Judy
Shona Ferguson – JB
Siyabonga Vilakazi – Hot Boy
Stephanie Schidknecht – Janet
Tango Ncetezo – Peggy
Terry Pheto – Dudu
Themba Ndaba – Ngema
Thembsie Matu – Sis Ribs
Trevor Gumbi – Sipho
Tsholo Matshaba – Olga
Tumi Morake – Portia
In season 3 some of the roles are taken by a new cast. For example, Nosipho’s role is acted by Dlamini and Khumalo. I think Dlamini did a better job of bringing out the persona of this character. Other changes are with the character Dudu taken by Pheto and Mbuli. I think Terry did a better job though both actors did not seem to return Shona’ s energy and passion. Up till season 4 neither did Mbali. I felt they were believable in their roles.
In the last two seasons, we have heightened energy with the coming in of Hlomla and Ncube. Both deliver their roles perfectly. My best characters in the movie are Hlomla, Tango Ncetezo, Ncube, and obviously Shona and Connie. They made their characters plausible.
Technical Construction
The movie is a little old so it doesn’t fit nicely on some screens. I think the cinematography is good and so is the production design. The costumes, especially the church uniform is interesting.
Editing: The editing, especially for season 4 is not good. Though with cutouts, the movie should not have felt like large sections of the film were removed.
The best aspect for me of this movie is the theme music. With about 4 instruments the resulting tune feels like the different interwoven layers of relationships the characters have.
Conclusion
Despite the numerous flaws, this series is well worth watching.
Rating
I give this production a 7/10. It was entertaining and I was hooked,
Like, Comment and Subscribe
