TSOTSI

TSOTSI is one of the most moving films I've seen in a long time. Set in the slums of the Johannesburg, South Africa township of Soweto, it's the story of Tsotsi, a cruel and unrepentant thug who commits terrible acts of violence and cruelty until his heart is reborn when he connects with an infant he aquires in a violent carjacking.

The film was written and directed expertly by Gavin Hood. The cinematography is breathtaking, even though it's focused on the unremitting poverty of the township. TSOTSI has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Film category. I haven't seen the rest of the nominess, but if this picture wins, it's well deserved.

Presley Cheweneyagae as Tsoti, has a face that telegraphs every thought and emotion of this hardened character. It's amazing that this is his film debut. He had me enthralled throughout. The entire cast is outstanding, and this is a film that should not be missed.