Tsotsi: The African Cinema...

Considering the third world country aspect is the most imporant reflection of Tsotsi, along with the morals and developmWhile not ent of its central character of the same name as the title of the film. Tsotsi falls somewhere between the description of an urban thriller and crime story. A genre of crime stories is typical among any cinema, but in African cinema it is a little bit different because the goals of the main characters are not those of intelligent minds. Africa is a place where desolation is apparent and especially in South Africa the crime rate is very high. Since the 1970's South Africa has been talked about since their crime rate as developed somewhat of an infamous conversation piece among people who don't know too much about Africa. Here's a small sample of Tsotsi. Enjoy this trailer for the film:

After the development of its story line it becomes abvious that crime for the central charcters is a way of life, and they really don't know any better. In a sense of the world decency comes to mind, which is brought to light by one of the members of Tsotsi's gang. The one gang menber Boston, who is beaten up by Tsotsi at one point is a character that tries to inform Tsotsi about decency, which is a reoccuring theme throughout the entire movie. Most of Tsotsi's early actions in the film show a lack of respect and decency, which can be said about a lot of our world today because people in general lack decency! Here in America things come easy to certain people, but most must suffer. The same is for third world countries as well because the only difference aside from the landscape is that they have less food than us. In the 1980's getting money for third world countries was gaining popularity. Here's a clip of one of many commercials:

In relation to Africa, the country has gone through many changes both good and bad. One of the most violent and intense times in African history was when in the 1970's when Idi Amin Dada, was in power. His control over his country men and violent temper and tactics made him an evil infamous man in African history. There is much to be said about crime in third world countries such as Africa.

The ending of Tsotsi brings forth a light of redemption to the main character. It certainly was a turn of events when he gave the kid back to the family. The mind of a criminal is tough sometimes to locate because many things can lead into the mind of a thug & killer. Demented and dangerous are certainly two words that in today's world can be put to describe many famous criminals like Manson, Bundee & Gacy who are considered evil in a sense of the word however, Tsotsi turns his persona around by the end of the film. The usual character development is obvious in Tsotsi, from beginning to the end when Tsotsi's mind becomes that of someone who develops respect, decency and a true sense of right and wrong. The study of criminal minds is something of interest because seeing the early signs of an up and coming criminal means that maybe with a little help they can change. Here's a clip of an interview with someone who is a criminal in the honest sense of the word:

I'll say one thing I would not be very fond of traveling to South Africa on my vacation. Trouble never ends in no matter what society you are in however, some nations are taking steps to try and change that. There is one thing you can't always change and that is the beginning of a persons life. Those who are privelaged are born with little or no worry whereas, those who have less or no money must make their way through a cutthroat world with little or no help. The gap between the rich and poor is not getting better it is getting worse and crime is a solution that a lot of young people turn towards in a world that they believe gives them nothing except grief! This riot shows an example of just how unruly the people have become because of society:

As a crime drama Tsotsi, scores high on the quality scale of depiction of human emotion and life. The acting is first class from the main character to the smallest part. The musical score is also effective. I am not a fan of rap music, but it works to an advantage to help along the atmosphere of the scenes. Music is an important tool to be used as a conveyer of emotions. Here's a musical clip from Tsotsi:

In the end no one will be disappointed with Tsotsi. The film's director should be most proud of his effort put forth because it is nicely shot, well acted, beautiful scenery and the story is tight and strong with current situtations that happen throughout the world. The race may change, but not the message because in the end it doesn't matter if your black, white or fu##in' purple, we are all people and some choose the right path in life and others don't! Two thumbs up to Tsotsi.

Here's one last scene from Tsotsi to tide you over:

Bombay! A review with Indian Cinema.

Action, suspense, drama, comedy and a love story! Bombay has all of these elements and more because let's not forget that this is Bollywood, and music is key to almost any film production there. The musical numbers incorporated in "Bombay" showcase an array of different styles and cultural aspects of Indian Cinema that we here in America rarely get to see. Unless of course you've been to India or watch a lot of Indian movies. The musical influence of this film is very popish and relates very closely to America's musical taste in a way. Here's one of the slower songs in the movie, but notice how effectively the scenery is used in this scene to help along the story and create a haunting atmosphere, especially the water crashing against the rocks. Enjoy this clip of musical emotion:

Basing this movie around a true event with the riots that actually happened back in the early 90's in Bombay, made for an extremely solid surrounding plot line that really keeps the film moving at highway speed. The first half of the movie did drag a little bit with the love that develops between the two main characters, but once the second half of the film kicks into gear this problem is quickly over with. As much as one might think the story line is like that of many American love dramas. The only real difference is between religion and culture. In the end everyone believes in their own power or god and each culture has a different way to reach that god, whether it be through praying or sacrifice there is always a message of religion. The feuds between the Hindus and Muslims is the fuel that when put together with matches (muslims) starts the fire (ruining of Bombay). Here's a clip of the 1992 riots in Bombay plus some story background behind the event:

Getting back to the lighter side once again is the musical expression of Hindu films. There is another American culture cross over. The one dance number can be traced to the style of Michael Jackson in a way, or at least by the wardrobe that the lead singer is wearing. Take a look at this musical number also from "Bombay". Michael Jackson covered the song from "Bombay" called "Hamma Hamma. Enjoy the clip:

The director styled "Bombay" in such a way that it's tough to look away without feeling like you may have missed something. In comparison to other movies that base their story around true events "Bombay" is among the better ones although the 1978 production of "The Wild Geese" is another film movie. Here's the trailer for it:

Since the beginning of filmmaking there are limits to each filmmakers vision depending on what that idea or vision is. Nothing's impossible just extremely hard sometimes. If there was one thing in the world that you could become would would it be? The answer is not always the same as the meaning of a dream, therefore it is most difficult to secure a future in an ever changing world and the ever changing world that surrounds the two main characters of "Bombay" in the second half of the film is in shambles. The effect that a tragedy has on all lives is felt in "Bombay". In this film outside connections are made with everyone whether it be child, man, woman or religious type. Lives intertwine and relationships are complete, but interrupted by a physical and spiritual happening. Relationships are another subject matter that "Bombay" tackles; for example, the love between the two young brothers is felt greatly especially the scene when they find each other after the riots. Here's a clip of that moment:

Relationships are something that everyone can understand in some form or another. There are of course different relationships. Friends and lovers are two different examples of relationships. The two families in "Bombay" hate each other, but at the same time they still love their children even though they have left instead of not getting married and conforming to their parents religion. No one can escape the emotion of relationships. There's good and bad for every man and woman. Life is a gamble and so is meeting someone, so when the two main characters of this movie get together, you can feel something between them even before they got close to one another. Some other films that deal with love and relationships like "Bombay" does are: Backtrack (1989, starring Dennis Hopper), Body Heat (1981), Body Double (1984), Last Tango in Paris (1970) and The Girl (1986, starring Franco Nero). These are just a few romantic love story movies with a twist that you should see. Here are the trailers for some of them:

Music and emotion are one because you can't have one without the other. It's like a car without an engine. It just won't run unless the two are together and that is what "Bombay" conveys with our love stricken characters who find happiness and must defend it in order to save themselves from becoming ruined. Faith and courage are two traits that play greatly in the end of "Bombay". Much like modern life in America today without a sense of responsibility and reason there is no focus. The music is that focus aside from the story in "Bombay" because the music works to help along the story. Story through music is one of the oldest expressions in the history of mankind. Since almost forever there has been some sort of story to almost every piece of music. In the 80's there are some pieces that can relate to this such as music from the motion picture "Crystal Heart" from 1985. Here's some material from that movie about love and music:

Overall the director A.R. Rahman, achieved his goal to convey the emotion and love of this story. Every character is brilliantly played and the religious aspects as well as the modern day culture shock of the riots makes for an interesting mix of action and suspense. Here's a closing clip from "Bombay" to tide you over. Also remember one thing music is an important tool and must be used right to either tell or help along a story and "Bombay" is an example of that fact!