TSOTSI (South Africa, 2005, 94 min.), directed by Gavin Hood; screenplay by Gavin Hood from the novel by Athol Fugard; cinematography by Lance Gewer; music by Paul Hepker and Mark Kilian, with performances by Zola and by Vusi Mahlasela; edited by Megan Gill; with Presley Chweneyagae (Tsotsi), Terry Pheto (Miriam), Kenneth Nkosi (Aap), Mothusi Magano (Boston), Zenzo Ngqobe (Butcher), Zola (Fela), Rapulana Seiphemo (John Dube), Nambitha Mpumlwana (Pumla Dube), Jerry Mofokeng (Morris), Ian Roberts (Captain Smit), Percy Matsemela (Sergeant Zuma), Thembi Nyandeni (Soekie), Owen Sejake (Gumboot Dlamini), Israel Makoe (Tsotsi’s Father), Sindi Khambule (Tsotsi’s Mother).  In Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans with English subtitles.

 

Jot down answers to the following questions and answer two in depth.

 

1.         The film’s title (also the title of the source novel by Athol Fugard) is derived from the Johannesburg slang word for “thug” or “gangster,” and it’s also the name by which the central character is known.  Discuss the title.  Does it speak to the heart of what this film is about?

 

 

 

 

2.         In this film we see the extreme contrast between the wealthier sections of Johannesburg and the shantytowns of the Southwest Township section of the city (known by its acronym, “Soweto”).  We also see action in the central train station.  Discuss the film’s portrayal of Johannesburg, both physically and socially.

 

 

 

 

3.         The film is based on a brilliant novel by the great South African dramatist, Athol Fugard.  Take a look at my program notes to the film (at spot.pcc.edu/~mdembrow/tsotsi.htm), which will give you a sense of the novel.  Though faithful in spirit to the original (which is set in the 1950s), the film is also different in many ways.  Discuss the effects of some of these differences.

 

 

 

 

4.         Describe Tsotsi.  What motivates him?  What is he after?  How can we tell what is going on inside his head?

 

 

 

 

5.         Discuss the changes that Tsotsi experiences.  Do you find them believable?  Why or why not?

 

 

 

 

6.         What does the baby come to symbolize for Tsotsi?

 

 

7.         Discuss the members of Tsotsi’s gang:  Ape, Teacher, and Butcher.  Discuss the (changing) relationship and importance of each to Tsotsi.

 

 

 

 

8.         What does Tsotsi learn from his experience with Morris, the disabled man in a wheelchair?

 

 

 

 

9.         Discuss Tsotsi’s relationship with Miriam, the young mother.

 

 

 

 

10.       What role does Fela, the successful gang leader (played by the big South African hip-hop star Zola), play in the film?  What does he represent for Tsotsi?

 

 

 

 

11.       Discuss the film’s use of flashbacks.  Do you find this narrative technique appropriate and effective for this film?

 

 

 

 

12.       What do you think of the film’s ending?  Discuss it.

 

 

 

 

13.       Discuss the film’s use of music.  You’ll find various styles here.  Describe them, and try to pinpoint when each is used.

 

 

 

 

14.       Although based on a novel written many years ago, Tsotsi really seems to capture the contemporary moment in South Africa today, where the dreams of the anti-apartheid struggle have soured into something else.  But it also touches on aspects of the human condition that transcend South Africa, no?  Discuss elements of Tsotsi that speak to universal aspects of the human condition.

 

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