Catch a Fire (2006)

A drama about terrorism in Apartheid-era South Africa, revolving around a policeman and a young man who carries out solo attacks against the regime.

Director:

Phillip Noyce

Writer:

Shawn Slovo

Stars:

Derek Luke, Tim Robbins, Bonnie Henna

2 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tim Robbins	...	Col. Nic Vos
Derek Luke	...	Patrick Chamusso
Bonnie Henna	...	Precious Chamusso
Mncedisi Shabangu	...	Zuko September
Tumisho Masha	...	Obadi (as Tumisho K. Masha)
Sithembiso Khumalo	...	Sixpence
Terry Pheto	...	Miriam
Michele Burgers	...	Anna Vos
Mpho Lovinga	...	Johnny Piliso
Mxo	...	Pete My Baby
Jay Anstey	...	Katie Vos (as Jessica Anstey)
Charlotte Savage	...	Marie Vos
Nomhle Nkonyeni	...	Mama Dorothy
Michael Mabizela	...	Shaven Head Bomber
Eduan van Jaarsveldt	...	Special Branch Sergeant (as Eduan van Jaarsveld)

Storyline

A political thriller: the real-life story of a South African hero's journey to freedom. In the country's turbulent and divided times in the 1980s, Patrick Chamusso is an oil refinery foreman and soccer coach who is apolitical - until he and his wife Precious are jailed. Patrick is stunned into action against the country's oppressive reigning system, even as police Colonel Nic Vos further insinuates himself into the Chamussos' lives.

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Plot Keywords:

attack | oil refinery | jail | colonel | coach | 

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Taglines:

It takes one spark for an ordinary man to become a hero.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving torture and abuse, violence and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Universal [United States] Working Title Films

Country:

France UK South Africa USA

Language:

English Zulu Portuguese Afrikaans

Release Date:

27 October 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Catch a Fire

Filming Locations:

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Box Office

Budget:

$14,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$2,026,997 (USA) (27 October 2006)

Gross:

$4,291,965 (USA) (17 November 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Focus Features, StudioCanal, Working Title Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The title is the name of the first major label album from Bob Marley & The Wailers.

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Quotes

Patrick Chamusso: My children, when they speak if their father, they will say he was a man who stood up for what was right, a man who said he must do something now. What will your children say about you?

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Connections

Referenced in Tavis Smiley: Episode dated 26 October 2006 (2006)

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Soundtracks

Thina Sizwe
Traditional
Performed by Thandiswa, Mxo & The Bongani Singing Group

User Reviews

thought provoking and mature film

This film didn't have the attention it would have deserved, at least in Europe (no attention at all in Italy..) but it's quite riveting. Elevated and empowered by Tim Robbin's and Derek Luke's performances "Catch a fire" has the right impact and vibrancy. It should raise important political questions in a world obsessed with terrorism and it's also filled with well - staged action scenes. The apartheid era is properly described and the social history developing in this context is certainly remarkable, though not flawless. Compared to other productions dealing with the same subject this one offers a perspective a bit different and more mature and ends up with a surprising forgiveness