Films/DVD Asylum

"Tsotsi:" from a S. African ghetto, a story of

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tinear

(A)

great evil, hope, and redemption.
A young thug, the leader of a gang that remorselessly kills, accidentally "steals" a newborn baby. It begins to transform him... or does it?
This film won Oscar as best foreign-language film last year and, though it may not have been the best I saw, it is very good.
The actor in the principal role is believable, no mean feat as he attempts a transformation.
With such scenes of human misery, sometimes the viewer suffers so that he brings himself to criticize the object rather than face his emotions. Beware of that: this film is powerful.
Another potential pitfall is that in the telling of such an emotion-laden film, the director falls into melodrama, or the false hightening of pathos.
One needn't worry about that here. "Tsotsi" refuses to ask for your empathy, sympathy, acceptance, or forgiveness. He is no easier upon himself.

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Re: "Tsotsi:" from a S. African ghetto, a story of - PhilJ 18:27:27 07/21/06 (1)
I just watched Tsosti and recommend it. A simple story told in a very uncontrived manner. The story is believable to me.

Tosti takes a baby home (found in the back of a stolen car) like you might a dog and it triggers memories, you get a taste of Tosti's brutal childhood and clearly understand his situation and empathize with this heartless thug. The way Tsosti starts to remember feelings about his childhood and hopes to start a life with a decent and normal woman by returning the baby is sad but simply and believably portrayed.
I think the movie is somewhat predictable, especially at the end, but the main character who plays Tsosti is terrific and the dialogue is intelligenty written and there are many terrific scenes as you follow Tsosti regain some sense of humanity.
this movie reminds me of one of my favorite movies of the past few years 'City of God' and is very nearly as good.
- Excellent point your comparison. I think C of G is much more - tinear 05:27:21 07/22/06 (0)
  complex, with fuller character development, plot lines, etc. but you're right about the lead in "Tsotsi," he really makes an excellent film out of what could merely have been a clever conceit.
Tsotsi - dave c 13:15:42 07/20/06 (0)
Absolutely wonderful film.
I think the world that the Tsotsi live in is shown for what it is and for what it turns people into.
Best movie I've seen in the past 6 months. Highly recommended (nt) - townsend 14:33:31 07/19/06 (0)
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