PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ LOVE AND WINE
The release of the official trailer of Netflix’s new South African romantic comedy, Love and Wine has led to a debate with some calling it out for copying the Brazilian film Rich in Love.
Set for summer romance, Love and Wine boasts a stellar cast that includes Ntobeko Sishi, Thandolwethu Zondi, Thando Thabethe, Masali Baduza, and Bongile Mantsai. The film is an adaptation of Brazil’s Ricos de Amor. Love and Wine follows Owethu Sityebi (played by Ntobeko Sishi), a charming and privileged heir determined to prove he is more than his last name. Desperate to earn a spot at his father’s winery, Owethu ropes in his best friend and driver, Nathi (played by Thandolwethu Zondi), for a daring social experiment to test whether love and ambition can truly transcend class.
Things get complicated when Owethu falls for Amahle (played by Masali Baduza), a grounded medical student. While Nathi finds himself drawn to the winery stern but magnetic manager Lena (played by Thando Thabethe).
However, several TikTok users have drawn comparisons between the film and Netflix Brazil’s Rich in Love, which follows a similar storyline involving a wealthy heir who hides his identity to win over a love interest. One user wrote: “Rich in Love (African version),” while another said, “The only difference is wine. In that movie, it’s tomatoes.”
Weighing in on the storyline TikTok users said:
One user said: “They had a chance to make a BL story and get millions. We’ve literally seen this boring script before ! Netflix do better.”
Another one said: “Netflix always eats when it’s December.”
Also see: Zozibini Tunzi to star on a Netflix series