Tsotsi

Name: Tsotsi
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: February 24, 2006
Duration: 94 min
Rating: 70
Cast: Israel Makoe, Mothusi Magano, Presley Chweneyagae

2006

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 41 Ratings

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7.7

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7.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 41 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Miramax Films | Release Date: February 24, 2006 | R

Starring: Israel Makoe, Mothusi Magano, Presley Chweneyagae

Summary: Set amidst the bustling townships of Johannesburg and infused with the pumping high-energy Kwaito music of the top South African artist Zola, Tsotsi is an extraordinary portrait of the choices we make in life and the personal triumph that comes from choosing love over rage. (Miramax Films)

Director: Gavin Hood

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 94 min

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Critic Reviews

100

TV Guide Magazine Ken Fox

Powerful crime drama does more than just expose the criminal underbelly of South African township life. Read full review

Desson Thomson

As Tsotsi, Chweneyagae turns his face into a living battle mask -- curved, molded and sandpapered into smooth ruthlessness. But as the story unfolds, Tsotsi's mask begins to crack, and his humanity begins to flow through. Read full review

Phil Hall

Tsotsi emerges as being among the finest films ever to come out of Africa. It is a brilliant, jolting and altogether powerful blast of energy and emotion. Read full review

Rene Rodriguez

Aside from its South African setting and flavor, there isn't a lot in Tsotsi that differs from its legion of similar Hollywood counterparts. But the movie's heart, along with Hood's refusal to sugarcoat the grim reality, wins you over no matter how many times you've seen this story told. Read full review

Ty Burr

It's a solid, earnest drama of moral redemption that places old cliches in an unfamiliar setting. Read full review

Carina Chocano

Whatever its weaknesses, Tsotsi is redeemed by its excellent performances. Read full review

Marjorie Baumgarten

What Tsotsi fails to explain is how the mere introduction of a baby can melt the cruel cycle of criminality and disregard for others. Read full review

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User Reviews

slobodan

Aug 9, 2008

Outstanding movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JaredG.

Mar 6, 2006

Nothing like City of God. In fact, its better. If you dont think that it deals with true South African issue, you are not looking deep enough.

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thewiseking

May 16, 2006

a tale of redemption well rendered. on the surface a very simple story which lingers in the mind long afterward. it avoids the usual hollywood cliches and makes no effort to blame the miscreants behavior on the usual/obvious suspects; racism, poverty etc. it is a deeper film, more a tale of redemption well rendered. on the surface a very simple story which lingers in the mind long afterward. it avoids the usual hollywood cliches and makes no effort to blame the miscreants behavior on the usual/obvious suspects; racism, poverty etc. it is a deeper film, more psychological.we do NOT excuse the Tsotsi for his actions, we are just given more information. great score and cinematography, and considering the competition certainly the best foreign film in the running that year.… Expand

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MarcK.

Feb 24, 2006

I'd have to say my feelings are similar to what was said by the ReelViews critic...and I would also make this a 7.5 rating if I were allowed to do that here. It's still early, but this has a great chance to be in my best 10 film list (US Releases) for 2006. Definitely deserves I'd have to say my feelings are similar to what was said by the ReelViews critic...and I would also make this a 7.5 rating if I were allowed to do that here. It's still early, but this has a great chance to be in my best 10 film list (US Releases) for 2006. Definitely deserves it's Oscar nomination, and definitely deserves a look-see.… Expand

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All_ButTrU4

Oct 9, 2022

This south african crime drama doesn't tell a new story. A villains redemption through healing childhood trauma isn't new but is made more compelling in this iteration by it's performances. Never allowing itself to become too dark this meditation on violence and its consequences aims not toThis south african crime drama doesn't tell a new story. A villains redemption through healing childhood trauma isn't new but is made more compelling in this iteration by it's performances. Never allowing itself to become too dark this meditation on violence and its consequences aims not to excuse it's protagonist but to give the audience insight into criminality. The desperation that pervades the south african criminal underbelly. It does so swiftly and without an agenda creating for a fascinating story of accountability.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RobertI.

Dec 2, 2007

Leaves you with a knot in your stomach, for the situation, the people, the grinding poverty, and cruelty of a large segment of human life. affecting performances bring it to life.

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JaneanP.

Apr 14, 2006

Worse than Crash; between this and Joyeux Noel, I've lost faith in any Oscar nominee being worth watching.

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