Tsotsi-Black Urban Thug
When I was seven years old we left South Africa, it was a country imploding. Although my parents sided with “equality” and the belief that “all men are created equal”, and did their part in small ways they wanted a better life for their two young children.
However, growing up I always felt something for the land of Africa, and the plight of my fellow man. For so many years Black and Colored men and women in South Africa have been treated as second class citizens. Although the apartheid ended in 1994 not much has changed for so many. It will take many, many years before South Africa can truly free its people from a lack of education and poverty.
Tsotsi (Thug) is one of the most endearing stories I have seen come out of South Africa in many years. It showed a young boy who was deprived of love from his parents and forced to endure a life on the streets with no education. If we were forced to endure only the hardships life has, would we be “honest and just” to our fellow man?
It’s easy to have no compassion when you have been shown none. The film took us on a journey with an unlikable character. Some of his acts where so vile, but you still prayed for his compassion. You hoped that even though he had never been shown love he would learn to feel it. At the end of the film you pray a nation who has never been shown compassion will learn to love. I know that sounds over the top, but for those who have not been to South Africa, I ask that you go first and then decide.
What struck me the most about the lead actor Tsotsi played by PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE was his incredible screen presence. There was a scene where Presley and his gang walk in V formation towards their destinations with the music blaring behind them; although the image was over used it was incredibly powerful. I thought the actor was so “real” and due to his limited formal acting training it made we wonder why so many of us bother. I do not believe that a person’s presence can be taught in any acting class.
The lead actress Miriam played by TERRY PHETO was another outstanding performance. She played a young mother who’s compassion and understanding was almost enough for both her and Tstosi. I felt what her character represented was “family”. How women are capable of “making homes” and giving people a sense of belonging and love. Okay, these are my non-feminist attitudes. I believe women are better at “making homes” than men.
One other dislike of the film was the constant blaring music. I thought the sound track was great, but I also felt it often detracted from what was going on in a scene.
The film made you think and made you feel. It forced us to look at some issues that we are not comfortable dealing with. For me the highlight of the film was how the writer and director made us so passionate about such a nasty character.
I give it Four Stars.
Interview with PRESLEY CHWENEYAGAE
