MikeL90

Lately South Africa has produced a few really excellent movies (with a bit of oversea capital and support) - but Tsotsi really wins hands down. In profound movies, themes have to be multi-layered to give the whole film resonance and deep meaning. Here, the narrative is clear, linear, non-gimmicky and easily absorbed. Tsotsi (the character David) is a damaged human being and his actions are highly mitigated. Every liberal bone in our bodies react to his predicament and our sympathies are clearly expected and received. Many IMDb contributors have said that it recalls City of God (also a great movie) but I think the thrust of the main character reminds me more of Citizen Kane. I don't want to follow this thread for fear of spoilers. Please support this movie by going to see it; understand our problems here in SA and also be uplifted by its sheer humanity. Simply one of my all time top ten movies.

As a South African, living in South Africa again after a 32 year stay in the UK, I am sorry to say that this movie is a huge disappointment. The three main problems I had with the movie was a) why Swank and Ejiofor - an American and a Nigerian - to play the leads. This country is bursting with talent and has no need of imports... b) Gillian Slovo has been trading off her Struggle credentials for years now. She's a very mediocre writer and even her novel doesn't stand up the flaccid direction of Mr Hooper... and c) Hilary Swank again, such a great actor, as proved in Million Dollar Baby (but that's Eastwood too), here dressed in the contemporary New York style whilst roaming freely around the poverty of the Karoo. Where was the consideration and sensitivity needed by the costumer and director? Yes, the film is ultimately moving - how could it not be? - but the overall mood at the conclusion is one of tremendous letdown. Heart's in the right place but needs a pace maker.