Piano Love Movie Review: An Amapiano Love Story…

Directed by Mandla N and streaming on Netflix, Piano Love follows Sipho and Lerato, two childhood friends whose lives spiral after career-ending mistakes. Struggling to survive, they cross paths with the ruthless Bra B, leading to crime, betrayal, and a fight for freedom. 

Plot

Six months before finding himself at gunpoint, Sipho, better known by his stage name, Preacher, was on the rise as an artist. But a single reckless act—a punch thrown at the wrong person—spiralled his career. With no options left, he was forced to retreat to his hometown, seeking refuge with his uncle. 

Meanwhile, Lerato, a talented pianist, dancer, and student, saw her future crumble when she was framed for drug possession. Taking the fall for a friend, she faced the threat of expulsion, leaving her with no choice but to return home to her mother, broken but determined to rebuild her life. 

Back in their hometown, their paths unknowingly begin to converge. Lerato, desperate to make ends meet, lands a job at a small grocery store with the help of a local mobster, Bra B. Sipho, who is struggling to provide for himself and his child, turns to Bra B as well, but the only opportunities he offers are rooted in crime. Left with no alternative, Sipho is drawn into a world of heists and danger. One of the jobs he took involved robbing a drug front disguised as a grocery store—the very store where Lerato works.  

The heist takes a devastating turn when Lerato is shot. Overcome with guilt, Sipho rushes her to the hospital, choosing to sever ties with Bra B while keeping his involvement in the robbery a secret. Their shared past as childhood friends is reignited, bringing them closer once again.  

Three months later, Bra B takes an unusual interest in Lerato, offering her a fully equipped studio to showcase her dance and piano talents. When she invites Sipho to see the place, he is haunted by the feeling that his career is over. But Lerato, full of hope, assures him they can rebuild their dreams together. As they reconnect, feelings blossom between them.  

However, Bra B’s generosity soon comes with a price. No longer just an “uncle”, he begins to expect something in return—demanding that Lerato sleeps with him. When she refuses, he retaliates by stripping away every favor he once gave, including rent and basic necessities for her and her mother. Trapped and desperate, Lerato gives in, sacrificing a piece of herself to survive.  

Just as she begins to recover, another painful truth emerges—Sipho has a child. Betrayed and emotionally shattered, she distances herself, yet fate keeps pulling them together. In their shared pain, they find solace, leading to an intimate connection.  

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But Bra B isn’t done. The story circles back to its opening moment—Sipho at gunpoint. Only this time, Lerato is there too. Fueled by revenge, Bra B sets fire to the studio, forcing them to watch as their dreams go up in flames. But his cruelty reaches an unbearable peak when he takes Sipho’s daughter, using her as leverage to force him into one last job.  

Will Sipho take the job to save his daughter? And what will it cost him? Can he and Lerato escape Bra B’s grip and reclaim their dreams, or will their past choices forever chain them to a life of struggle?  

Cast

Piano Love featured Senzo “Kwesta” Vilakazi, Bontle Modiselle-Moloi, Given Stuurman, Peter Mashigo, Bheki Sbiva, Sipho and Simphiwe Mabona and many other fresh talents.

Language

Piano Love was predominantly performed in Zulu.

Summary

Piano Love takes its time finding its rhythm, with a beginning that feels like a bit of a drag. However, once the plot thickens, things start to pick up, making for a more engaging watch.

The story remains consistent without being overly predictable. While there aren’t any truly unforgettable moments, the film still holds its own as an okay experience. The cast delivers their roles with genuine emotion, adding depth to the narrative. Costume choices are spot-on—nothing flashy, but fitting for the film’s tone.

As for the action scenes, particularly the shootouts, they aren’t exactly convincing, but they do add some drama. Despite its flaws, Piano Love manages to strike a decent chord. It may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it plays a tune that’s easy enough to follow.