Review of Tsotsi (2005) by Jon A — 10 May 2008

So glad that this movie won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language. This was unlike anything I can remember. Tsotsi (meaning thug) played by Presley Chweneyagae is a brutal yet beautiful story about a young man who is questioned by a fellow gang member if he has any decency.

This begins a reexaminaning of his life. A chain of personal growth is taking place but it may be to little too late. The night of this mental trigger Tsotsi commits a crime and is left with a newborn child.

This takes him even further into thought as to what has defined his life. Every actor in this motion picture was outstanding but the film reached an incredible emotional depth thanks to Chweneyagae. We see how rugged life is for the millions of people stuggling to survive in Soweto.

The film shows glimpses of how the youth are not truly given a fair chance. One reason for this hardship is because you must pay to go to school. This film is at times very touching. It is an eye-opening experience for the Tsotsi as well as the audience.

You are never quite sure what will be said next or what the consequences of the actions taken. The native music combines a mixture of modern African music as well as a stirring score. Another brilliant film about humanity.

I would recommend this highly.