Review of The Bang Bang Club (2011) by Ceph J — 31 May 2011

"Bang Bang" refers to the bullets flying while these erstwhile photographers try to capture South African violence leading up to the general election after Mandela's freedom. An ambitous film that's confusing as to the local politics or whether these guys have any morals about what they're witnessing. I'd prefer some more insight into their characters instead of the bromance of male photo journalists depicted here. The screenplay by writer/director Steven Silver is too cluttered.

Ryan Phillippe is ok as Greg but the more interesting character is Kevin Carter played by Taylor Kitsch who should have been given more screen time. I find it hard to believe that (except towards the end), the angry blacks welcome these white men into their fighting zones. The movie feels slightly uncomfortable since South African was ruled by a hostile white minority but this film ignores this history and focuses on the terrible violence between the black gangs.

I'm not sure if it's hypocrisy when two journalists win the Pulitizar prize but act so innocently. Isn't this the ultimate prize for their career? The segment of the vulture approaching the weak child is unsettling since the journalist does nothing to protect the child. This movie is right in the middle of whether I like it or not. However, you have to admire the intent. A better film about photo journalist is "Under Fire" with Nick Nolte and Gene Hackman.