Of late, the plight of Africans has been providing ample inspiration for English language filmmakers. Along with African produced films like TSOTSI and YESTERDAY and documentaries like DARWIN'S NIGHTMARE, a great deal of light is being shed on the continent's dark past and bloody present. CATCH A FIRE tells a story set in Apartheid-era South Africa and delves into the blurry line between freedom fighter and terrorist.
Patrick Chamusso (Derek Luke, ANTWONE FISHER) is a mine foreman who doesn't want anything to do with rebels fighting the white government. He wants to live a simple life with his wife Precious (Bonnie Mbuli) and his two young daughters. Then when he plays hooky from work one day to couch his village's soccer team, a bomb is explodes at the mine. White investigator Nic Vos (Tim Robbins, MYSTIC RIVER) points suspicion toward Patrick, who is arrested and beaten. When his whereabouts seem to get even fishier, Vos brings in Precious and beats her. But when his story pans out, he and his wife are set free. Emboldened, the innocent man joins the rebels and sets out to bomb the mine he used to work at.
The film parallels the motives of Patrick and Vos, who both strive to make a better life for their families. However, the film puts into question the means that the men take to do so. The story also deals with the level of oppression one man can take before he is willing to give up everything to fight back. This powerful drama in anchored by the solid performances of Luke and Robbins. Luke brings passion and dignity to his flawed yet noble character. Robbins creates a cold and ruthless individual, however he's not heartless. His major flaw is that he believes any means necessary is justified for a god cause. But when do the actions of the "just" become more evil than the "villains?"
Director Phillip Noyce and writer Shawn Slovo bring depth to these characters, never painting them clearly as the good guy and the bad guy. It is unavoidable to not draw connections to current affairs when the U.S. Vice President condones forms of torture and the CIA is kidnapping individuals and carrying them off to secret prisons. The film makes one think about how the simple label of "terrorist" changes perceptions.
The film reminded me of Noyce's RABBIT-PROOF FENCE, which told the story of Aborigine children in Australia who where stolen from their families and put in orphanages in an effort to breed the black out of them. He is a director who jumps from commercial actions films like PATRIOT GAMES and then does thoughtful dramas like THE QUIET AMERICAN. This topical drama not only makes one think, but also succeeds as a first-rate thriller as well. In 2006, we were treated to three entertaining and smart films about Africa. Along with BLOOD DIAMOND and THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND, CATCH A FIRE is among 2006's best.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
