DAS

Tsotsi

MA Nominated, Movie Reviews /

David, known as “Tsotsi,” is a young man who leads a violent life in Johannesburg, leading a small gang of thugs who commit crimes to survive. His past is troubled, with a history of abandonment and abuse, leading him to become emotionally detached and ruthless. The film gradually unfolds his backstory, showing how he became the hardened criminal he is in the present.

One night, after shooting a woman and stealing her car, Tsotsi discovers her baby in the back seat. Instead of abandoning the infant, he unexpectedly takes the baby back to his shanty. This decision starts a transformational journey for Tsotsi. Over the next few days, his interactions with the baby bring forth suppressed emotions and memories from his childhood.

As Tsotsi struggles with caring for the baby, he enlists the help of a young widow named Miriam to breastfeed the child. Miriam, through her kindness and understanding, begins to influence Tsotsi, showing him that there’s more to life than violence and crime.

While the search intensifies for the baby by the police and the baby’s father, Tsotsi is faced with numerous moral dilemmas. He’s torn between his old life of crime and the potential for redemption.

The climax of the film sees Tsotsi confronted with a choice that could determine his future and the baby’s fate.

Themes:

“Tsotsi” delves deep into the theme of redemption and transformation. The film showcases the idea that no one is beyond saving and that the human spirit, no matter how broken, can find its way back to compassion and empathy. The bleak setting of Johannesburg’s slums serves as a stark backdrop to Tsotsi’s internal journey from heartlessness to humanity.

The film was widely acclaimed and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.

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The Fugitive

Movie Reviews, TS Nominated /

“The Fugitive” is a 1993 action thriller film directed by Andrew Davis and stars Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. The film is based on the 1960s television series of the same name created by Roy Huggins.

The film centers on Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford), a renowned vascular surgeon in Chicago, who comes home one night to find his wife Helen brutally murdered. The assailant, a one-armed man, manages to escape, leaving Kimble as the prime suspect. Despite his protests about the one-armed man, Kimble is arrested, tried, and convicted for his wife’s murder.

While being transported to death row, the prison bus carrying Kimble crashes, giving him the opportunity to escape. Now on the run, he must evade capture by law enforcement while attempting to find the real killer to clear his name.

The relentless U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) is assigned to the case. Despite Kimble’s attempts to stay one step ahead, Gerard proves to be an intelligent and dogged pursuer. The film generates tension and excitement as Kimble navigates the streets of Chicago, piecing together clues that might lead him to his wife’s killer.

The film climaxes as Kimble uncovers a conspiracy related to his wife’s murder that involves a major pharmaceutical company that Kimble’s hospital was about to endorse for a new drug. This revelation leads to a final confrontation with the one-armed man, the authorities, and those responsible for his wife’s death.

“The Fugitive” is known for its tense action sequences, solid performances, especially by Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, and its compelling narrative. Jones won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard.

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Hero

KS Nominated, Movie Reviews /

“Hero” is a Chinese martial arts film directed by Zhang Yimou that was released in 2002. The film is set during the Warring States period of Ancient China, specifically centered around the King of Qin’s desire to conquer all of China and unify it under his rule. Here’s a brief synopsis for the film:

In “Hero”, a nameless warrior, portrayed by Jet Li, arrives at the palace of the King of Qin, bearing weapons of his defeated enemies – the assassins Broken Sword, Flying Snow, and Sky. The warrior claims he has defeated these infamous assassins and proceeds to tell his story.

The film’s story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, showing the Nameless Warrior’s battles with the assassins. These encounters are presented through different colored themes, each illustrating a different version of events. The stories contradict each other and show the complex relationships and motives of each character, revealing a stunning tapestry of martial arts action, political intrigue, and emotional depth.

However, as the King listens to these tales, he begins to see through the fabrications and suspect the true intentions of the Nameless Warrior. In the stunning climax, the King reveals his interpretation of the events and the real motive behind the Nameless Warrior’s visit. The film concludes with a profound message about peace and the sacrifices necessary for its attainment.

“Hero” weaves martial arts with complex storytelling, reflecting on the themes of perception, honor, sacrifice, love, and the greater good. The film is renowned for its breathtaking visuals, action sequences, and philosophical undertones, making it a masterpiece of the wuxia genre.

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12 Angry Men

Movie Reviews, YA Nominated /

12 Angry Men is a 1957 American courtroom drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, adapted from a 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose.

The film’s story is set in a jury room and follows the deliberations of a group of jurors who are deciding the fate of a teenager accused of murdering his father. If found guilty, the young man will receive the death penalty.

As the film begins, the jurors cast their initial votes, and 11 vote guilty, with only one man, Juror #8 (played by Henry Fonda), voting not guilty. Juror #8 doesn’t believe he has enough evidence to sentence the boy to death, and he wants to talk about the case more thoroughly.

What follows is a tense and emotionally charged debate as Juror #8 attempts to sow a seed of reasonable doubt in the minds of the other jurors. His challenges and methodical reasoning force the other jurors to reconsider the evidence, and one by one, they begin to see the potential for doubt. The film masterfully explores different facets of human character and prejudice, as each juror reveals more about himself and his biases in the process.

Over the course of the film, Juror #8 gradually manages to convince the other jurors that there’s enough reasonable doubt about the boy’s guilt to warrant a not guilty verdict. Despite facing considerable opposition and personal attacks, he sticks to his convictions, urging the other jurors to consider the life at stake and their responsibility in making their decision.

In the end, all the jurors agree on a not guilty verdict, illustrating the importance of reasonable doubt and the principle that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The film concludes as the jurors leave the courthouse, their duty fulfilled, returning to their own separate lives.

12 Angry Men is considered a classic and is widely celebrated for its powerful script, compelling characters, and its exploration of the justice system and human psychology.

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Swimming Pool

Movie Reviews, ZA Nominated /

Swimming Pool is a 2003 psychological thriller film directed by François Ozon and starring Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier. The film is set primarily in the south of France and focuses on the relationship between a British mystery author and a young, enigmatic woman.

Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling), a successful British mystery writer, is feeling burnt out and uninspired. Her publisher, John Bosload (Charles Dance), offers her the use of his secluded vacation home in the south of France to help her relax and find new inspiration. Sarah reluctantly agrees and heads to the French countryside.

Upon her arrival, Sarah begins to enjoy the peace and quiet of the house and starts to make progress on her new novel. However, her tranquility is soon disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Julie (Ludivine Sagnier), John’s free-spirited, sexually provocative daughter. The two women initially clash due to their stark differences in personality and lifestyle, but as time goes on, they develop a complex and tense relationship.

As the days go by, Sarah becomes increasingly intrigued by Julie’s promiscuous behavior and starts to incorporate elements of Julie’s life into her novel. The line between fiction and reality begins to blur, and Sarah finds herself becoming more and more entangled in Julie’s world. This ultimately leads to a series of events that force both women to confront their darkest secrets and question their true selves.

Swimming Pool is a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that explores themes of identity, desire, and the power of the creative process. The film is known for its visually stunning cinematography, strong performances from its lead actresses, and its enigmatic and thought-provoking narrative.

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Theeb

MA Nominated, Movie Reviews /

Theeb (2014) is a Jordanian adventure drama film set during World War I. The story follows Theeb, a young Bedouin boy, who must learn the harsh realities of life in the desert as he embarks on a perilous journey with a British officer and his Bedouin guide. Theeb’s older brother, Hussein, is initially asked to help guide the British officer to a secret destination, but Theeb insists on joining them.

As they traverse the treacherous Arabian desert, the group encounters dangerous obstacles and a series of betrayals. Theeb, whose name means “wolf” in Arabic, must rely on his instincts and adapt to the harsh environment to survive. The film explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the loss of innocence while providing a unique perspective on the cultural and historical context of the region during World War I.

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First Cow

Movie Reviews, TS Nominated /

First Cow (2019) is an American drama film set in the 1820s in the Oregon Territory. The story revolves around two men, Otis “Cookie” Figowitz, a skilled cook, and King-Lu, a Chinese immigrant. Both men are seeking their fortune in the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.

When they come across the territory’s first and only dairy cow, owned by a wealthy landowner, they devise a plan to steal its milk under the cover of night. Using the stolen milk, Cookie makes delicious “oily cakes,” which they sell at the local market, quickly gaining popularity and success. However, their secret operation becomes increasingly risky as their business thrives and draws more attention.

The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream while providing a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Pacific Northwest. The slow-paced, atmospheric storytelling is complemented by stunning cinematography and a focus on the simplicity and beauty of nature.

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Argentina 1985

KS Nominated, Movie Reviews /

In 1985, two years after the fall of the military dictatorship in Argentina, a group of young lawyers led by prosecutors Julio César Strassera and Luis Moreno Ocampo take on the monumental task of bringing to justice the top commanders of the junta that ruled the country with an iron fist for seven years. Facing threats, intimidation, corruption and bureaucracy, they gather evidence, interview witnesses and survivors, and prepare for the historic Trial of the Juntas, where they will face nine generals accused of crimes against humanity. The trial is broadcast live on television, exposing the horrors of the dictatorship to the public and the world. As the trial progresses, Strassera and Moreno Ocampo face personal and professional challenges, as well as ethical dilemmas about how to pursue justice without compromising their principles or endangering their lives. The film culminates with Strassera’s closing argument, where he invokes the slogan “Nunca más” (“Never again”) to demand accountability and prevent future atrocities.

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Grave of The Fireflies

KS Nominated, Movie Reviews /

Grave of the Fireflies (1988) is a Japanese animated war drama film based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka. Directed by Isao Takahata, this Studio Ghibli film is a poignant tale set in Japan during the final months of World War II.

The story follows the lives of two siblings, 14-year-old Seita and his younger sister, Setsuko, who are left orphaned and struggling to survive after their city, Kobe, is devastated by an American firebombing raid. With their father away at war and their mother killed in the raid, the children are forced to rely on each other for support. Seita takes it upon himself to care for Setsuko as they face the grim realities of hunger, illness, and the harshness of life during wartime.

The film provides a deeply moving portrayal of the human cost of war, focusing on the resilience and spirit of the children amid suffering and loss. Grave of the Fireflies is often considered one of the most powerful anti-war movies ever made, as well as one of the greatest animated films of all time.

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Master and Commander

EK Nominated, Movie Reviews /

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) is an American epic historical war-drama film directed by Peter Weir and adapted from the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O’Brian. The film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey (played by Russell Crowe) and his close friend, the ship’s surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin (played by Paul Bettany).

The story begins with Aubrey’s ship, the HMS Surprise, being attacked by a superior French warship, the Acheron. After the encounter, Aubrey becomes determined to capture or destroy the enemy vessel, which has been causing significant damage to the British navy in the Atlantic Ocean. The film chronicles the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the two ships, as well as the evolving friendship between Aubrey and Maturin, who bond over their shared love of music and spirited debates on science, politics, and the ethics of warfare.

Throughout the journey, the crew of the HMS Surprise faces various challenges, from intense naval battles to treacherous weather conditions and personal conflicts. Master and Commander is renowned for its attention to historical detail, thrilling action sequences, and rich character development, offering a captivating and immersive portrayal of life at sea during the early 19th century.

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