 Catch a Fire (2006)
Rated: PG-13 for thematic material involving torture and abuse, violence and brief language.
Runtime: 101 mins.
Director: Phillip Noyce
Writer: Shawn Slovo
Cast: Tim Robbins; Derek Luke; Bonnie Mbuli
Tagline: This Fall stand for something
Memorable Quote: "25 million blacks against 3 million white people. We're the ones under attack"
Genre: Drama/History
Release Date: October 27, 2006
Studio: Focus Features
Official Site: www.catchafiremovie.com/
|
|
| Reel commentary: ... We're left with the brutal realization that what we call terrorists are not born into a mission of fulfillment. But rather, they learn to counter their uncomfortable surroundings ... full review |
|
By Frank Wilkins
Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce, who explored the injustices of Australia's Aboriginal Assimilationist policies in 2002's Rabbit-Proof Fence and America's pre-communist Viet Nam involvement in The Quiet American, stays in his wheelhouse with Catch a Fire, the story of a South African hero's journey to freedom during that country's ruthless system of Apartheid.
Catch a Fire is a straightforward telling of the complex but true story of Patrick Chamusso (Derek Luke), an apolitical factory supervisor who eventually joins the African National Congress in its fight against the country's racist form of government. Also at the story's center is Nic Vos (Tim Robbins), a colonel in the country's Police Security Branch whose job it is to hunt down and persecute with unbridled malice, those who mean harm to the government. When wrongly accused of involvement in a bombing plot at the plant where he works, Patrick undergoes a sort of social awakening that transforms him from a mild-mannered family man content with the status quo, into a cold vengeful soul intent on seeking retaliation.
|
|
|
Derek Luke (L) and Tim Robbins (R) star in Pillip Noyce's Catch a Fire.
All images copyright © 2006 Focus Features
|
|
|
Although Patrick's story takes place in the early 1980s, parallels to today's political climate can't be ignored. We're challenged with the notion that one man's terrorist plot is another man's path to becoming a National hero. Does striking out against what one believes to be corruption and injustice make one a terrorist? As controversial as it may seem, once you've witnessed the torture and degradation Patrick and his family experience – at the hands of his own government - you realize the answer is no.
Noyce's vision is brought to life by Shawn Slovo's brisk script and stellar performances - namely from the two leads Luke and Robbins. Luke is challenged with convincing us of his character's transformation. Patrick is a flawed man who becomes an unlikely hero. He represents the everyman in each of us and shows us how even an ordinary, law-abiding citizen can become embroiled in political conflict. A performance any less convincing might have spelled doom for the film, as we're asked to believe in a 180-degree transformation. Luke nails it and we believe it.
As an officer in the South African government's security force, Nic Vos is fighting to protect a comfortable way of life. But at the same time he's smart enough to realize that if the ANC (backed by millions of oppressed citizens) takes power, his country will be destroyed. Robbins plays the contradiction perfectly. Done incorrectly, Vos would have come across as a cold, sadistic animal like a character in a horror film. But instead, he's smart, crafty and even somewhat approachable. Robbins gives his character just enough self-doubt to make us realize he really is a human being with feelings. We get a sense that Vos understands the ultimate destiny of his country.
Catch a Fire's only shortcoming might be its lack of a broader scope. The plight of South Africa is relatively distant and mostly unknown to many viewers, so a bit of time spent on the country's background might have been valuable in setting a more extensive context. But powerful scenes of Nelson Mandela being welcomed home from exile at the film's end pound home the story's relevance and even garnered cheers from the theater audience as well. We're left with the brutal realization that what we call terrorists are not born into a mission of fulfillment. But rather, they learn to counter their uncomfortable surroundings.
Frank Wilkins
Your Ad Here
 Comments
Frank (Orillia, Ontario, Canada) Says:
January 23, 2007 at 16:02
Good review Frank, from another Frank.
|
Screen formats: Widescreen Anamorphic 2.35:1
Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Language and Sound: English: Dolby Digital 5.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Other Features: Color; interactive menus; scene access.
- Feauture-length Audio Commentary - Featuring Noyce, Chamusso, Luke, Robbins, Henna, Shawn Slovo and producer Robyn Slovo (and sister of screenwriter Shawn)
- Deleted Scenes - 02:16 minutes of extended and deleted scenes.
Number of discs: - 1- Keepcase Packaging
| Tim Robbins |
.... |
Nic Vos |
| Derek Luke |
.... |
Patrick Chamusso |
| Bonnie Mbuli |
.... |
Precious Chamusso (as Bonnie Henna) |
| Mncedisi Shabangu |
.... |
Zuko September |
| Tumisho Masha |
.... |
Obadi (as Tumisho K. Masha) |
| Sithembiso Khumalo |
.... |
Sixpence |
| Terry Pheto |
.... |
Miriam |
| Michele Burgers |
.... |
Anna Vos |
| Mpho Lovinga |
.... |
Johnny Piliso |
| Mxo |
.... |
Pete My Baby |
| Jessica Anstey |
.... |
Katie Vos |
| Charlotte Savage |
.... |
Marie Vos |
| Nomhlé Nkyonyeni |
.... |
Mama Dorothy |
| Michael Mabizela |
.... |
Shaven Head Bomber |
| Eduan Van Jaarsvelt |
.... |
Special Branch Sergeant |
|
