Tsotsi (thug) is the perfect name for this violent, cold-hearted young gang leader whose turf is the townships outside Johannesburg where he leads his friends in vicious robberies and worse. One night, he shoots a young woman and jacks her car. Little does he know that the baby he later discovers in the back seat will change his life forever. Based on Athol Fugard’s novel, Tsotsi is shot with an urgent energy and music soundtrack that recalls films like City of God.
Reviews
“Powered by a pounding soundtrack of dance hall Kwaito music, Tsotsi has vital, urban energy similar to the Brazilian crossover City of God and but with a tauter, more conventional storyline.” Leslie Pelperin, Variety
“With lively pacing, superb performances and a candid yet forgiving heart, Gavin Hood has created an inverse fairy tale that is never less than absorbing. ****” Liz Beardsworth, Empire
Awards
OSCAR ’06 – WINNER
– Best Foreign Language Film
Edinburgh International Film Festival ’05 – WINNER
– Audience Award
– Best New British Feature
Toronto International Film Festival ’05 – WINNER
– People’s Choice Award (Gavin Hood)