Yesterday (2004)

90% of users liked it
(4,044 ratings)

A impoverished young mother with few creature comforts but an unbreakable spirit determines to see that her growing daughter receives an education after suffering a crippling setback in this affecting drama from director Darrell James Roodt. Yesterday's family is poor, and despite the daily toil… More A impoverished young mother with few creature comforts but an unbreakable spirit determines to see that her growing daughter receives an education after suffering a crippling setback in this affecting drama from director Darrell James Roodt. Yesterday's family is poor, and despite the daily toil suffered by her husband in the mines of Johannesburg she still manages to maintain a bright outlook on life thanks to her energetic seven-year-old daughter, Beauty. Upon falling ill, Yesterday is diagnosed with AIDS and her already harsh life appears to take a turn for the worse. Though Yesterday herself never received an education, the revelation of her declining condition inspires the young mother to cling to life so that she may see her growing daughter attend her first day of classes and die knowing that there is hope for a better life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 36 min.
Directed By: Darrell Roodt
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2004 Wide
On DVD: Jan 10, 2006
Studio: HBO Films

Critic Reviews

Enrique Buchichio, Uruguay Total
Yesterday es un drama sobrio y emotivo sobre los sacrificios de una mujer en medio de la pobreza, la adversidad y la discriminación.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
A sensitive, intelligent and economical script gathers dramatic momentum and builds tension.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]"Yesterday" takes place in rural South Africa. Yesterday(Leleti Khumalo) has a persistent cough and is generally feeling ill. Along with her daughter, Beauty(Lihle Mvelase), she has made two very long treks by foot to see a doctor at the nearest clinic… More
[font=Century Gothic]"Yesterday" takes place in rural South Africa. Yesterday(Leleti Khumalo) has a persistent cough and is generally feeling ill. Along with her daughter, Beauty(Lihle Mvelase), she has made two very long treks by foot to see a doctor at the nearest clinic but arrives too late to be examined. The next time with the help of the new teacher(Harriet Lehabe), she arrives in time to be seen by the doctor(Camilla Walker) who sends out Yesterday's blood to be tested. The result: HIV Positive.[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]"Yesterday" is a simple tale that is exquisitely told. It deftly avoids being just a public service announcement, even though there is still a lesson to be imparted. The movie is not only about AIDS, which is ravaging Africa but also about the lack of education and healthcare in general. Overall, the movie is symbolic of a country that is moving on from Apartheid.[/font]
Richard F

Thematically charged with great subject matter, but a bit flat.
Daisy M

Yesterday was such a good movie because of it simplicity and beauty.It was about Yesterday a South African woman who was infected by her husband with the HIV virus and her struggle to survive. The movie showed the relationship between Yesterday,her daughter Beauty and the teacher. The… More
Yesterday was such a good movie because of it simplicity and beauty.It was about Yesterday a South African woman who was infected by her husband with the HIV virus and her struggle to survive. The movie showed the relationship between Yesterday,her daughter Beauty and the teacher. The HIV virus was portrayed with realism and also Yesterday's strength and dignity to face her illness. She took care of her husband till his death, dealing with her illness and gossips and fears of other villagers. It was heartbreaking and it made me feel her pain and sorrow. Acting, directing, all was excellent.
Leo L

A fascinating movie!