Happiness is a Four Letter Word is a heart-warming romantic drama exploring the lives of three best friends – Nandi, Zaza and Princess – living the good life in fast paced Johannesburg. Nandi is on the fast track to being made partner at her law firm and is engaged to emerging entrepreneur, Thomas. Zaza is a trophy wife to the wealthy and successful property developer Bheki while Princess is the celebrated owner of one of the trendiest art galleries in town, and is living with her sexy and talented boyfriend, Leo. But things aren’t what they seem. Based on the novel, Happiness is a Four-Letter word, by Cynthia Jele, these strong, empowered, and highly individual women find themselves having to negotiate new norms of being upwardly mobile black women in a rapidly changing South Africa. In a time when wealth and positions seems to be more important than traditional values, each woman will find out that happiness is not found in a one-size-fits-all box. Only through trial and sacrifice will each friend discover what it is that truly makes them happy.
Let’s have a look at the main characters:
Khanyi Mbau plays the character of Zaza, a typical trophy wife living the Joburg suburbia white picket fence life. Her husband (Simo Magwaza) is constantly away on business and loneliness is a close accountant, she often finds herself in another married man’s comforting arms. Her role adds a relief element of humour.
Mmabatho Montsho plays the role of Nandi, a hardworking overachieving tough lawyer who is confused as she battles to decide whether she wants get married or not while her ex-boyfriend (Chris Attoh) appears out of nowhere, she then finds herself entangled in a sticky situation with him.
Renate Stuurman plays Princes, a successful gallery owner who on the outside seems to have the affluent dream life most gallery owners and women would want. Commitment is the last thing on her agenda; she’s more of the “wham bam thank you sir” lady until she meets an afro-centric artist (Richard Lukunku) that sweeps her off her feet.
It is probably a first of its kind in South Africa as it has good cinematography but the content of the movie itself is not original. It felt like a regurgitation of an American chick flick. If you loved Sex And The City, you’ll mostly probably love Happiness is a Four Letter Word too.
I give it a 6/10
Director: Thabang Moleya
Writer: Helena Spring
Main Cast: Renate Stuurman, Richarch Lukunku, Khanyi Mbau, Simo Magwaza, Chris Attoh, Tongayi Chirisa, Mmabatho Montsho, Stevel Marc
Genre: Romantic drama
