7.3/10
25,474
178 user 155 critic

Tsotsi (2005)

Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader.

Director:

Writers:

, (novel)
Won 1 Oscar. Another 16 wins & 13 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Miriam
Kenneth Nkosi ...
Aap
Mothusi Magano ...
Boston
Zenzo Ngqobe ...
Butcher
Zola ...
Fela
Rapulana Seiphemo ...
John Dube
Nambitha Mpumlwana ...
Pumla Dube
Nonthuthu Sibisi ...
The Baby
Ntuthuko Sibisi ...
The Baby
Jerry Mofokeng ...
Ian Roberts ...
Captain Smit
Percy Matsemela ...
Sergeant Zuma
Thembi Nyandeni ...
Soekie
Owen Sejake ...
Gumboot Dlamini
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Storyline

In Johannesburg, a small time criminal, Tsotsi, is a teenager without feelings, hardened by his tough life. After a series of violent gang hits, Tsotsi hijacks a car. However, whilst driving, Tsotsi finds that there is a baby on the back seat. He brings the baby to his house in the slum. The next six days bring about a change in him that couldn't be foreseen. Written by based on the review by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

In this world... redemption just comes once. See more »

Genres:

Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some strong violent content | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

| |  »

Country:

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Language:

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Release Date:

16 March 2006 (Israel)  »

Also Known As:

Tsotsi  »

Filming Locations:

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Box Office

Budget:

$3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$140,510 (South Africa) (3 February 2006)

Gross:

$2,912,363 (USA) (7 July 2006)
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Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In urban slang of Johannesburg "tsotsi" loosely translated means "thug". See more »

Goofs

When Tsotsi enters the room of the kidnapped child, you can see (on the right hand side) that the wall paper is false. See more »

Quotes

Morris: Now look what you've done... you've made an old man piss his pants
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Connections

Featured in The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007) See more »

Soundtracks

Mdlwembe
Written by Kabelo 'Kaybee' Ikaneng
Performed by Zola
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User Reviews

 
A Must See movie
5 April 2006 | by (South Africa) – See all my reviews

For South Africans, both resident and in exile, this film is likely to be a harrowing experience. It shows us some of the consequences of what we allowed to be done in our name.

Cinematically, the film is superb, partly because it is so understated. It is probably an insight into a way of life all to common in African metropolises. Whilst it shows the way of life in shanty towns and was, I know, filmed in authentic locations, I found myself wondering whether the coloring was just a bit rosy, but that is a very minor criticism.

The director has coaxed a performance from his lead actor which is, I think, a landmark. So much of the performance is visual - he says very little. He is supported by a bevy of other characters which those familiar with South Africa will recognize all to easily.

If you do not have a South African connection, see the movie as an insight into our way of life. See it because it is a story worth telling and therefore worth seeing.


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