Tsotsi

Tsotsi

Drama

2005

Rated: R

Running Time: 94 minutes

Starring: Presley Chweneyagae

Directed By: Gavin Hood

Rating: 8 out of 10

Outline

A common street thug faces his own humanity as he is forced to take care of a baby he never wanted.

Review

If this story doesn’t move you I don’t know what will. The story is based on Tsotsi an impoverished youth living in South Africa. He is the leader of a small gang looking for money from the rich society that lives nearby. He will do anything to complete a robbery and has little remorse doing it. Tsotsi is what the whole story focuses on and Presley Chweneyagae playing Tsotsi is what makes the movie such a success. He has the look of a street hood that is capable of murder and then at other times looks like an everyday kid looking for a break. Never does the character of Tsotsi stray from a common hood and never does he sway from these two polar opposite alter egos. His transformation from common thug to a struggle for acceptance and reasoning never compromises the integrity of the story. His inadvertent acquisition of a small child leads Tsotsi down many roads of emotions and you are there for the whole emotional ride. He never asks for forgiveness for his past sins nor does he let them haunt his new found social trials. He lives his life in constant pain and although he is as destructive as the country around him you somehow still feel for this youth and his obvious pain. His upbringing shows you why he does the things he does and the humanity that there is comes to the forefront with the baby storyline. The movie has slow points but trust me if you hang in there the heart wrenching scenes are well worth the wait. The setting and backdrop are great and really drive the poor upbringing and your understanding of Tsotsi’s trials. The ending is where everything you waited for happens and was a fantastic finish to a raw and gritty story. This movie captured my heart and mind and will bring a tear to your eye. I give this movie a huge recommendation for anyone who loves dramas that are as real world as they come.

T Factor + Like small budget foreign films this could score higher on the rating scale.

T Factor - Dislike slow moving dramas or subtitles this could score lower on the rating scale.

If you liked this film reel recommendations: City of God, or Monster’s Ball