Tsotsi MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +1/2

Cast: Presley Chweneyagae, Kenneth Nkosi, Terry Pheto. Written & directed by Gavin Hood.

Academy Award Winner for Best Foreign Film and based on the book by acclaimed author and playwright Athol Fugard, Tsotsi (meaning thug in the South African street language Tsotsi Taal) traces six days in the life of a young gang leader who steals a womans car unaware, in his panic, that her baby is in the back seat. A gritty contemporary portrait of ghetto life set amidst the sprawling Johannesburg townships, this affecting story is ultimately a redemptive tale of hope and the triumph of love over rage.

The day before, I saw three R-rated films, each more violent than the other, with men punching women in the face, children shooting their guardians, teen girls getting burned up in tanning beds. None of the violence had a point other than to make us cringe. There was no moral to the graphicness of their violence or the productions. The following evening, I saw Tsotsi, another violent movie. As soon as I heard the f-word spewing forth and saw the lead character beating up his associate, I got ready to walk out. Id had enough. But then something took hold. I felt this one was going to have a purpose, perhaps even a spiritual depth. I heard Jesus name used four or five times, but unlike how it is normally used, I sensed it was a foreshadowing. I cant explain it, except to say, Im very glad I stayed.

Suddenly I realized this film was a parable, a story about the seeking and finding of redemption. Though this young thug is full of rage and insecurity, enough to beat up an ally, threaten an old man in a wheelchair and shoot a hijack victim, he is mystically moved by this infant. And the longer he is around the baby, the more he opens up his heart. He even comes to an awareness of the need for forgiveness and salvation. I wont give the ending away, but the last shot is a symbolic illustration of a man surrendering his life. We know as we leave the theater that a miraculous change has occurred and we realize on the drive home that indeed, A child shall lead them.

Caution: Its replete with violent imagery and mood, plus around 30 harsh curse words. But keep in mind; different audience members have different sensibilities. While some wont be reached by the films message due to the objectionables, there are those who will relate to the harsh realities portrayed and see past the brutality. As for those who dont have to struggle with poverty, ignorance and daily danger, well, maybe it will remind them to be compassionate and patient. It helped me in that area.

If you do not wish to support this content, despite its affirmative ending, try this Video Alternative: Down In The Delta. A Christian mother sends her substance-abusing daughter to relatives down South. There, she learns about responsibility and the importance of family. With Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman, Jr., Wesley Snipes, Loretta Devine.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Miramax