User reviews

I live in Cape Town not far from Lavender Hill and pass by on the M5 each day rushing pass Joe Marks and Prince George intersection hoping traffic lights wont turn red. Why? Because you hear its a high risk area for robberies. NOT once did or could I relate to what is happening inside the streets and courts inside LH. Today I have a new respect for those affected by drugs. Today after wacthing this incredible movie can I salute the brave. I thought I was a strong woman being a single mom for many years...but the women in LH..and so many more places like it.....wow you are my new role models. Now I understand. Thankyou Daryne Joshua and the cast for portraying the Ellen Pakkies story. Thankyou thankyou thank YOU

Well-acted, gritty, powerful, and authentic. Jill Levenberg's performance as Ellen was superb. Although she stars in the long-running soap opera Suidooster, this is Levenberg's first starring role in a feature-length film. Let us hope there will be more to come. Jarrid Geduld does a good job as Abie, the son whose use of crystal meth both destroys his own life and devastates his family. His role required considerable range, from normalcy to extreme emotion, and he delivered. Even the minor parts were acted well. As the judge, Ilse Klink conveyed feeling below the solemnity, and Elton Landrew was effective as a steady-helmed husband buffeted by disaster.

The Lavendar Hill neighborhood and the Pakkies' house itself was used for the filming, and the re-enacted murder was filmed in the room where the real murder took place, with great attention to detail and accuracy. The result is a gripping, immersing film well worth watching.

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I had to watch this movie in segments because it's really overwhelming. Firstly nothing can compare to the love a mother has for her child and that gives this movie so much depth. One can't comprehend that this is al based on a true storie. However I believe everyone in lavender hills probably has a story like this to share. Its a voice for the colourd community and it gets to place us in someone shoes who we easily judged. The acting is great and the layout of the storie is really nice. I love the authenticity of everything. It really is a true masterpiece portrayal of the world of tik ans how the colourd community struggles.

"The Ellen Pakkies Story" so impactful is its unflinching portrayal of the multifaceted challenges faced by families grappling with addiction. It doesn't shy away from the complexities of the issue, addressing the societal, psychological, and emotional aspects without sensationalism. Instead, the film delves into the human side of the narrative, portraying the inner turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by Ellen as she navigates through her son's addiction and the toll it takes on their family.

Daryne Joshua's direction offers a poignant and compassionate lens through which the story unfolds. The film skillfully juxtaposes moments of despair with glimpses of hope, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit amid overwhelming adversity. It navigates the sensitive subject matter with empathy, steering away from judgment and instead focusing on the profound impact of addiction on individuals and their loved ones.

The cinematography and sound design work in tandem to create an immersive experience, drawing the audience into the raw emotions and tension that permeate every scene. The film's pacing allows for the gradual unraveling of the story, allowing viewers to empathize and connect deeply with the characters' struggles.

Ultimately, "The Ellen Pakkies Story" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that addresses important social issues while also highlighting the strength and endurance of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, understanding,

Lovely to see this beautifully made and well acted South African drama.

The Ellen Pakkies Story is a South African drama film based on true events. It tells the story of Ellen Pakkies, a mother who strangled her drug-addicted son Abie in 2007, after years of abuse and violence. The film explores the troubled relationship between Ellen and Abie, as well as the legal and social consequences of her actions.

The film was directed by Daryne Joshua and starred Jill Levenberg as Ellen and Jarrid Geduld as Abie. It received critical acclaim and several awards, including best actress, best actor and best scriptwriter at the kykNET Silwerskerm Festival.

The Ellen Pakkies Story is a powerful and emotional film that raises awareness about the impact of drug addiction and the challenges faced by mothers like her.