Tsotsi
The film's unflinching portrayal of the characters' struggle for survival, respect and belonging set it apart from similarly themed fare.
Brutal young gang leader Tsotsi's (meaning "thug") accidental theft of an infant propels him towards an acceptance of his troubled youth and inner humanity in this tale of redemption. Set in the ghettos of Soweto, Johannesburg, the violence and deprivation of Tsotsi's life is accentuated through his interaction with victims both higher and lower on the social scale, as well as through physical confrontations with his own gang members. The reluctant growth of the main protagonist and the film's unflinching portrayal of the characters' struggle for survival, respect and belonging set it apart from similarly themed fare. A pulsating soundtrack peppers this powerful and hopeful film which has rightfully won a host of awards. This is well worth your time. [Rebecca Gow]
This film is released on March 17.