Tsotsi

The film Tsotsi, by Gavin Hood, is a movie about a young man named David, although, we don’t know his real name is David until he has a flash back to his childhood days. Currently he goes by the name Tsotsi, he and a small gang of friends do what they please and steal from anyone they feel doesn’t deserve what they have. In the beginning of the film we see them rob and stab a man on a subway train before leaving him to bleed out alone. Tsotsi has a bit of a temper and acts very rashly at times, like when he beats up his friend Boston for questioning him about his morals and the way he lives. After Tsotsi beats him up there is conflict between the group of friends and Tsotsi copes with his frustration and anger by committing another robbery. This time however he mistakenly robs a wealthy woman of her child in attempt to just take her car. In the midst of his confusion and surprise he takes the child home with him for fear of returning it. Not knowing how to take care of a baby, Tsotsi follows a young woman named Miriam and initially forces her to feed him. After a second visit to her for help feeding the baby Miriam asks Tsotsi if he will allow her to care for the child now, he accepts and things appear to be settled. When the gang reunites and ventures to pull another robbery Tsotsi seems to really be concerned for the baby and helping Miriam. The house they chose to rob is the house Tsotsi took the baby from; while they are there they run into the father of the baby and tie him up while they clear the house of its valuables. Before leaving Butcher is about to shoot the man for activating the houses alarm system but Tsotsi shoots him before he shoots the man. The gang is lost and Tsotsi knows he must return the baby. When he does his plan to be in and out doesn’t go so well. The police show up and there is a bit of a stand off in the street before Tsotsi finally give the baby back to his family.

            I really enjoyed this movie. I though the story was one of the more real stories that we’ve seen this semester. I don’t know if it’s just because I liked the movie or because I know people who remind me of the characters in it. I think my favorite though was Aap, he was the character that brought the movie a touch of realism, humor, and sympathy. I think a lot of people know or have a good friend that seems to just kind of goes with the flow and doesn’t really have a strong opinion of what goes on. To me this is the happiest person in the group, that or the most content; they are happy just to be a part of something real, like a gang of friends. Overall the plot was ok, not many twists and turns, more or less straight forward if you ask me.