Foreign language films are not normally my preferred genre of film, but "Tsotsi" is quite the exception; writes Scott Gentry.

"Tsotsi" (15)
Director: Gavin Hood.
Starring: Presley Chweneyagae, Kenneth Nkosi and Terry Pheto.
Rated: 15, for containing strong language and violence.
Running time: 90 minutes.
Out now on DVD.

"Tsotsi" follows six days in the life of our titular character (Presley Chweneyagae), who inadvertently receives a baby after a robbery which goes terribly wrong.

Much like "City Of God" (an equally good Brazilian gangster film), "Tsotsi" is an open invitation into the lives of gangsters. From the opening scene, the audience is introduced to a group of friends, but the focus here is not on them, but on Tsotsi. Tsotsi is in fact an in-depth character study of one man's struggle, to connect properly with society; due to a childhood trauma. 

The film often presents itself as gritty and does not shy away from the upsetting aspects of the slums of Johannesburg. Despite a modest budget of $3,000,000, "Tsotsi" still manages to deliver a film that has the quality of a regular hollywood film without the average budget. The script is obviously Oscar material from the offset, not mixing in comedic elements too often but always keeps to it's original tone. 

The soundtrack is superb, including tracks from some of Johannesburg's best artists, Paul Hepker and Mark Killian compose the music well, setting an often dark tone for the  toughest of sequences.

Despite having a virtually inexperienced cast list, they all act amazingly well. Presley Chweneyagae delivers a first rate performance as an emotionally layered character who just needs a chance at redemption. Terry Pheto also plays her role brilliantly and in recent years has gone on to star in larger-budget films and is set for a role in the Nelson Mandela biopic, "Mandela: A Long Walk To Freedom".

Verdict

"Tsotsi" is without a doubt, one of the best foreign language films to be made in the past ten years, less shocking than "City Of God", but just as effective.

8 stars out of 10.

Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.