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- 2006
- PG-13
- Focus Features
- 1 h 41 m
- 2006
- PG-13
- Focus Features
- 1 h 41 m
SummaryPowerfully telling the story of a South African hero's journey to freedom, Catch a Fire is a political thriller that takes place during the country's turbulent and divided times in the early 1980s, and in the new South Africa of today. (Focus Features)
Directed By: Phillip Noyce
Written By: Shawn Slovo
- 2006
- PG-13
- Focus Features
- 1 h 41 m
- 2006
- PG-13
- Focus Features
- 1 h 41 m
Catch a Fire
62
6.3
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SummaryPowerfully telling the story of a South African hero's journey to freedom, Catch a Fire is a political thriller that takes place during the country's turbulent and divided times in the early 1980s, and in the new South Africa of today. (Focus Features)
Directed By: Phillip Noyce
Written By: Shawn Slovo
Where to Watch
Coming Soon
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally FavorableBased on 32 Critic Reviews
62
69% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
31% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Metascore
Generally FavorableBased on 32 Critic Reviews
62
69% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
31% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Both a condemnation of torture as a political tool and a tribute to the bravery that exists within everyone.
This deeply moving and disturbing film derives power from being based on the true story of a black South African who does everything possible, no matter how degrading, to get by within an immoral system, but becomes radicalized almost despite himself.
Fire shows what happens when a government systematically denies rights to one racial group for decades, but its message is more current.
Whatever you make of the film's politics, Luke makes a vivid impression in his most substantial role since "Antwone Fisher," and Robbins resists the temptation to make the thinly written Vos a villainous caricature.
Though preachy at times, Catch a Fire is a well-constructed action thriller elevated by Luke's performance.
The film never strays much beyond the obvious, despite a conscientious effort by Tim Robbins to humanize a white security officer.
In the end, Catch a Fire plays like some weird hybrid on the crazy-quilt filmography of Phillip Noyce, which includes small productions made in his native Australia and the Sharon Stone sexcapade "Sliver." What it's definitely not is the standard-issue movie about apartheid; there's no white protagonist, no pale-faced hero riding in on his high horse to save the oppressed black man.
By Robert WilonskyFULL REVIEW
User Score
Generally FavorableBased on 13 User Ratings
6.3
54% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
31% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
15% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
User Score
Generally FavorableBased on 13 User Ratings
6.3
54% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
31% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
15% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Mixed Reviews
- Negative Reviews
Report
Production Company
- Focus Features
- StudioCanal
- Working Title Films
- Mirage Enterprises
Release DateOct 27, 2006
Duration1 h 41 m
RatingPG-13
TaglineThe spark that ignites us, unites us.
Website http://www.catchafiremovie.com/