Tsotsi (2005)

Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader.

Director:

Gavin Hood

Writers:

Gavin Hood, Athol Fugard (novel)

Stars:

Presley Chweneyagae, Mothusi Magano, Israel Makoe

Won 1 Oscar. Another 16 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Presley Chweneyagae	...	Tsotsi
Terry Pheto	...	Miriam
Kenneth Nkosi	...	Aap
Mothusi Magano	...	Boston
Zenzo Ngqobe	...	Butcher
Zola	...	Fela
Rapulana Seiphemo	...	John Dube
Nambitha Mpumlwana	...	Pumla Dube
Nonthuthu Sibisi	...	The Baby
Ntuthuko Sibisi	...	The Baby
Jerry Mofokeng	...	Morris
Ian Roberts	...	Captain Smit
Percy Matsemela	...	Sergeant Zuma
Thembi Nyandeni	...	Soekie
Owen Sejake	...	Gumboot Dlamini

Storyline

In Johannesburg, a small time criminal, Tsotsi, is a teenager without feelings, hardened by his tough life. After a series of violent gang hits, Tsotsi hijacks a car. However, whilst driving, Tsotsi finds that there is a baby on the back seat. He brings the baby to his house in the slum. The next six days bring about a change in him that couldn't be foreseen.

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Plot Keywords:

baby | slum | criminal | street life | shantytown | 

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Taglines:

In this world... redemption just comes once.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some strong violent content

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

UK South Africa

Language:

Zulu Xhosa Afrikaans English

Release Date:

31 March 2006 (USA)

Also Known As:

Infância Roubada

Filming Locations:

South Africa

Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$140,510 (South Africa), 3 February 2006, Limited Release

Opening Weekend USA:

$76,324, 26 February 2006, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,912,363, 9 July 2006

Company Credits

Production Co:

The UK Film & TV Production Company PLC,Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa,The National Film and Video Foundation of SA

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In urban slang of Johannesburg "tsotsi" loosely translated means "thug".

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Goofs

When Tsotsi enters the room of the kidnapped child, you can see (on the right hand side) that the wall paper is false.

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Quotes

Morris: [after hearing a defining moment in Tsotsi/David's childhood] What kind of bastard would break a dog's back?

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Connections

Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007)

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Soundtracks

Munt'omnyama
Written by T. Kgosinkwe, A. Muphemi & T. Seate
Performed by Mafikizolo

User Reviews

A Must See movie

For South Africans, both resident and in exile, this film is likely to be a harrowing experience. It shows us some of the consequences of what we allowed to be done in our name.

Cinematically, the film is superb, partly because it is so understated. It is probably an insight into a way of life all to common in African metropolises. Whilst it shows the way of life in shanty towns and was, I know, filmed in authentic locations, I found myself wondering whether the coloring was just a bit rosy, but that is a very minor criticism.

The director has coaxed a performance from his lead actor which is, I think, a landmark. So much of the performance is visual - he says very little. He is supported by a bevy of other characters which those familiar with South Africa will recognize all to easily.

If you do not have a South African connection, see the movie as an insight into our way of life. See it because it is a story worth telling and therefore worth seeing.