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Tsotsi (2005)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
23 December 2005 (South Africa) moreTagline:
In this world... redemption just comes once. morePlot:
Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader (Chweneyagae). full summary | add synopsisPlot Keywords:
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 13 wins & 12 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(8 articles)
Boyle Leads Toronto Film Festival Prizes (From WENN. 14 September 2008, 7:07 AM, PDT)
'Tsotsi' Director Gets His Claws Out (From WENN. 23 July 2007)
User Comments:
A Must See movie moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Presley Chweneyagae | ... | David / Tsotsi | |
| Terry Pheto | ... | Miriam | |
| Kenneth Nkosi | ... | Aap | |
| Mothusi Magano | ... | Boston | |
| Zenzo Ngqobe | ... | Butcher | |
| Zola | ... | Fela | |
| Rapulana Seiphemo | ... | John Dube | |
| Nambitha Mpumlwana | ... | Pumla Dube | |
| Jerry Mofokeng | ... | Morris | |
| Ian Roberts | ... | Captain Smit | |
| Percy Matsemela | ... | Sergeant Zuma | |
| Thembi Nyandeni | ... | Soekie | |
| Owen Sejake | ... | Gumboot Dlamini | |
| Israel Makoe | ... | David / Tsotsi's father | |
| Sindi Khambule | ... | David / Tsotsi's Mother |
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Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated R for language and some strong violent content.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
Canada:94 min (Toronto International Film Festival) | USA:94 minColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Dolby DigitalCertification:
Australia:M | USA:R | UK:15 | Ireland:15A | Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-15 | Sweden:15 | Germany:12 | Spain:13 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | Hong Kong:IIB | Singapore:NC-16 | Argentina:13 | Canada:14A (Ontario) | Portugal:M/12 | Japan:R-15 | South Korea:15Filming Locations:
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaMOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
In urban slang of Johannesburg "tsotsi" loosely translated means "thug". moreGoofs:
Crew or equipment visible: When Tsotsi enters the room of the kidnapped child, you can see (on the right hand side) that the wall paper is false. moreQuotes:
Morris: [after hearing a defining moment in Tsotsi/David's childhood] What kind of bastard would break a dog's back? moreMovie Connections:
Referenced in "HBO First Look: Two Sides of a Story: The Making of 'Rendition' (#14.25)" (2007) moreSoundtrack:
Silang mabele moreFAQ
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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.