IMDb > Tsotsi (2005)
Tsotsi
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips
Photos (see all 26 | slideshow) Videos (see all 21 NEW)
Tsotsi (2005) -- US Home Video Trailer from Miramax
Tsotsi (2005) -- US Home Video Extra (Clip) from Miramax
Tsotsi (2005) -- Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader (Chweneyagae).
Tsotsi (2005) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)
Tsotsi (2005) -- Moviesbox.us - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.4/10   11,859 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 1% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Gavin Hood
Writers:
Athol Fugard (novel)
Gavin Hood (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Tsotsi on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
23 December 2005 (South Africa) more
Genre:
Crime | Drama more
Tagline:
In this world... redemption just comes once. more
Plot:
Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader (Chweneyagae). full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 13 wins & 12 nominations more
User Comments:
A Must See movie more (132 total)

Cast

  (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
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Thug (International: English title) (literal English title)
more
MPAA:
Rated R for language and some strong violent content.
Runtime:
USA:94 min | Canada:94 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Country:
UK | South Africa
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby Digital

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
In urban slang of Johannesburg "tsotsi" loosely translated means "thug". more
Goofs:
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. more
Quotes:
Morris: [after hearing a defining moment in Tsotsi/David's childhood] What kind of bastard would break a dog's back? more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Kingdom of the Vampire (2007) (V) more
Soundtrack:
Benoni Blues more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
32 out of 37 people found the following comment useful.
A Must See movie, 5 April 2006
10/10
Author: youmike from South Africa

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.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (132 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Tsotsi (2005)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
HELP! Where can I watch it online? nikath369
HELP! Where can I watch it online? nikath369
HELP! Where can I watch it online? nikath369
Infamous Dog Scene - When Does it Occur/What Chapter? northface778
People miss the point of this movie overthestatic
'Tsotsi' versus 'City of god' yuriym1
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Outsiders Midnight Cowboy Boy A Die Blechtrommel Pixote: A Lei do Mais Fraco
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Crime section IMDb UK section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.