Mapantsula

Name: Mapantsula
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: December 3, 1989
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 84

1989

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Universal acclaim based on 4 Critic Reviews

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Mapantsula (US Trailer 1)

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Movie Details & Credits

Film Movement | Release Date: December 3, 1989 | Not Rated

Summary: During demonstrations in apartheid-era South Africa, the police arrest Panic (Thomas Mogotlane), a “mapantsula” or petty gangster, while rounding up activists. His interrogation reveals the motivation for his involvement in the township riots. Once only concerned with partying, alcohol and his own interests, Panic finds himself beingDuring demonstrations in apartheid-era South Africa, the police arrest Panic (Thomas Mogotlane), a “mapantsula” or petty gangster, while rounding up activists. His interrogation reveals the motivation for his involvement in the township riots. Once only concerned with partying, alcohol and his own interests, Panic finds himself being irreversibly pulled into the fray. Now, he is forced to choose between his personal freedom and taking a stand in the fight against the oppressive apartheid government.… Expand

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 100 min

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Critic Reviews

Michael Wilmington

Like its black anti-hero, the mapantsula (Zulu for small-time crook ) of the title, the movie makers do their job with swiftness, guile and gall. It’s a moral drama in disguise. Read full review

Tony Rayns

It gets far closer to the sights, sounds, smells and rhythms of Soweto life than an entire Attenborough of white liberal movies. Needless to say, it's banned from SA cinema screens. Read full review

Bradley Gibson

Mapantsula is timely and relevant 35 years later. Read full review

Janet Maslin

Mr. Mogotlane makes Panic much more than a symbol, treating him as a raffish, amusingly overconfident figure at first and a visibly shaken man as the film progresses, until at last he utters the single syllable that encapsulates the film's final point. Read full review

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