I have just watched the movie for the first time just this past Friday, I was blown away and touched by it. i don't know if there is such a thing as a good thief, but I fell in love with Rapulano in this movie all over again, for me it had that James Bond element, except that his black and a thief, but that untouchable notion of 0007... Great story and acting. I felt sad for the white chick (grilfriend), not because of her colour, but as a women I could relate, when you think you know somebody but and realising that you don't and in such a matter is just so painful....., but on another hand....there was that element for me, of our black brothers going for white chicks... when they are loaded....even though in this movie that wasn't what brought them together.... interesting story indeed...
34 Reviews
Great South African film
andreas_soerensen2 September 2008
The big problem with the local film industry is that for too long it has relied on easy-sell toilet humour or depressing AIDS and poverty epics.
It's refreshing to finally see a competently made local flick that aims to entertain the locals rather than scoop awards at foreign film festivals with deeply serious afro-pessimistic themes (such as Yesterday and Tsotsi.
Basically the story follows 2 male characters from their high school days into their adulthood. They get involved in lives of crime and must choose their own destinies.
This is a generally good and entertaining film. Ordinarily I would point out the negatives, such as the pacing, which drags a bit, especially towards the second half, some uninspired cinematography, some poor acting (especially from the female love interest). BUT, the problem with the SA movie going public is that we compare everything local to Hollywood. I assume this was made on a very limited budget and with pretty inexperienced people so it cannot possibly come close to matching those films for production values.
This film should be judged on its accomplishments taking into account the restrictions, and it does very well.
Jerusalema is, taken in context, an excellent film with plenty of local content and in-jokes. I believe it is important for all South Africans (able to) to support the local film industry to allow more true SA films to be made.
It's refreshing to finally see a competently made local flick that aims to entertain the locals rather than scoop awards at foreign film festivals with deeply serious afro-pessimistic themes (such as Yesterday and Tsotsi.
Basically the story follows 2 male characters from their high school days into their adulthood. They get involved in lives of crime and must choose their own destinies.
This is a generally good and entertaining film. Ordinarily I would point out the negatives, such as the pacing, which drags a bit, especially towards the second half, some uninspired cinematography, some poor acting (especially from the female love interest). BUT, the problem with the SA movie going public is that we compare everything local to Hollywood. I assume this was made on a very limited budget and with pretty inexperienced people so it cannot possibly come close to matching those films for production values.
This film should be judged on its accomplishments taking into account the restrictions, and it does very well.
Jerusalema is, taken in context, an excellent film with plenty of local content and in-jokes. I believe it is important for all South Africans (able to) to support the local film industry to allow more true SA films to be made.
A Great Triumph For South Africa
gavin694222 September 2010
Lucky is a young black man in South Africa, who feels the oppression of apartheid. Once the apartheid ends, though... the life for blacks gets no easier. In his own form of affirmative action, he helps grow a large, powerful gang to get ahead. Is it right or wrong, and was it necessary?
Ralph Ziman is a director from South Africa. While he started of in music video, once he came into his own, he told the tale of South Africa with a passion that no one else has yet matched. Recent films like "Invictus" or "District 9" try to capture the spirit, and in some ways do, but Ziman has it inside him and has the talent to let it out.
I must say, there was an unfortunate naming choice with "Gangster's Paradise", and this gives it a cheaper feel. The original title, "Jerusalema", was more than adequate and gives the film a mature moniker that it richly deserves. I am not sure who felt American audiences couldn't handle the original title, but they have done the film a great disservice.
We have seen our share of South Central Los Angeles gang movies. Here is a film that has parallels, but offers an interesting moral perspective on a racial, global issue. Can you empathize with a thieving thug? If you watch this film, you just might.
Ralph Ziman is a director from South Africa. While he started of in music video, once he came into his own, he told the tale of South Africa with a passion that no one else has yet matched. Recent films like "Invictus" or "District 9" try to capture the spirit, and in some ways do, but Ziman has it inside him and has the talent to let it out.
I must say, there was an unfortunate naming choice with "Gangster's Paradise", and this gives it a cheaper feel. The original title, "Jerusalema", was more than adequate and gives the film a mature moniker that it richly deserves. I am not sure who felt American audiences couldn't handle the original title, but they have done the film a great disservice.
We have seen our share of South Central Los Angeles gang movies. Here is a film that has parallels, but offers an interesting moral perspective on a racial, global issue. Can you empathize with a thieving thug? If you watch this film, you just might.
Great Movie Terrible Ending
lantern444416 July 2018
This movie was extremely good . It developed many intertwined complex characters over many years. Early on the use of humour greatly improved the audiences appeal towards the main characters. It also seriously involved the political and social aspects of South Africa at the end of apartheid from diverse perspectives. These aspects were portrayed without placing blame but just told the story as the facts of life and circumstance. Many stereotypes where dismissed when they were used unsuccessfully to gain advantage by attempting to force others to be political correct. I would have rated this movie 9/10 except for the last 20 minutes which was complete garbage. Like any B grade Hollywood movie the last part of the movie was full of impossible shoot-outs and crime does pay themes. This seriously impacted in such a negative way I changed my rating to 6/10. The movie is definitely better seen without watching the last 15 - 20 minutes.
Jerusalema Hlala Siyaya
agent6009556916 November 2008
If you thought Tsotsi was brilliant, Jerusalema will blow you away. It's about determination and hope. I've never seen such an apt depiction of township life. Big -up 2 the producers for the angle they took. I loved the music and how they tied Jerusalema with the lead characters' praying mother! A must see, for inspiration if nothing else!
Guys lets praise SA for producing such an magnificent movie in the international screens, u better start going to the cinemas to watch the awesome job did by our camera men, editors and directors etc. Big up Mzantsi Big up.
Guys lets praise SA for producing such an magnificent movie in the international screens, u better start going to the cinemas to watch the awesome job did by our camera men, editors and directors etc. Big up Mzantsi Big up.
based on real events?
watcher201915 April 2020
An African Renaissance in Cinema
davetherave-16 September 2008
Saw Jerusalema last weekend. I found the film to be an engaging, moving, and important reminder that the strangest worlds are right under our noses. Fast paced, gritty and in your face
I loved Rapulana Simpiwe in the lead, a stunning young talent, Jafta Mamabolo who played the young Kunene is fantastic.
The script is excellent, reassuringly tight and Carried me effortlessly through the journey.
This is the story of how a intelligent kid with the same hopes and dreams as anyone else; an education, work hard, get a degree and live his dreams through legitimate means, succumbs, despite himself, to a life of crime because it is his only course available.
It accurately portrays the universal genesis of crime and loss of innocence and righteousness (the symbol of which of course was the mother with her hand pressed tightly on her bible).
I don't know what's happening with the film in terms of its international release, but I would sincerely hope that many others will have the memorable experience that we did.
I loved Rapulana Simpiwe in the lead, a stunning young talent, Jafta Mamabolo who played the young Kunene is fantastic.
The script is excellent, reassuringly tight and Carried me effortlessly through the journey.
This is the story of how a intelligent kid with the same hopes and dreams as anyone else; an education, work hard, get a degree and live his dreams through legitimate means, succumbs, despite himself, to a life of crime because it is his only course available.
It accurately portrays the universal genesis of crime and loss of innocence and righteousness (the symbol of which of course was the mother with her hand pressed tightly on her bible).
I don't know what's happening with the film in terms of its international release, but I would sincerely hope that many others will have the memorable experience that we did.
Enjoyed Soweto.....huh?
MyGoodWish16 October 2010
I don't think I can adequately put into words how enjoyable this movie was but I'll try because it's really worth your time and I want you to give it a try. This movie was a pleasant surprise. Within a few minutes of watching I realized I'd happened upon a gem. This movie is about Lucky Kunene, a smart young man who is so fun to watch as he figures out how to be a success in spite of being born in a dangerously stupid environment.
I did not expect to enjoy watching a story that includes South African apartheid, but fortunately this movie entertains us with the characters story and doesn't weigh us down with the tragedy of racism and poverty.The main character Lucky is poor and smart and that's always an interesting mix. He is portrayed by actors who are so talented that we're spoiled as an audience. Jafta Mambolo is young Kunene and Rapulana Seiphemo plays the adult Lucky Kuene and they both are effortless.
I really liked the way this movie moved quickly and yet spared nothing.I came away from this movie wanting to see more Soweto adventures because I knew there must be one,so I watched it twice.
I did not expect to enjoy watching a story that includes South African apartheid, but fortunately this movie entertains us with the characters story and doesn't weigh us down with the tragedy of racism and poverty.The main character Lucky is poor and smart and that's always an interesting mix. He is portrayed by actors who are so talented that we're spoiled as an audience. Jafta Mambolo is young Kunene and Rapulana Seiphemo plays the adult Lucky Kuene and they both are effortless.
I really liked the way this movie moved quickly and yet spared nothing.I came away from this movie wanting to see more Soweto adventures because I knew there must be one,so I watched it twice.
Johannesberg's such a rat hole?
richardchenca20 January 2009
If this movie were shot in America, I'd give it a 7/10 because too many things are simply formulaic and not done very well. The main guy turns to the criminal life a little too easily. What happens to sidekicks #1 and #2 could come from a McBain (Simpsons) movie. The woman's explanation for why her brother is there is embarrassingly simple - wouldn't it have been better for the brother to say, "hey, this sh*t is real" to convey the same idiot attraction? Most importantly, where did the lead's main criminal idea come from? I believe something like that really happened, but there's so little hint of it earlier in the movie that it's just confusing when it happens. How could anyone come up with such a complex scheme that relies on the actions and inactions of various government agencies simply by reading very general self-help books? I'll have it both ways - I did like this movie. The points above are nits, some bigger than others. I love the depiction of Johannesberg as this crime-ridden, divided city, like "the Wire" squared. I'll stick with the 7/10, though that's unfair given IMDb's general grade inflation.
exciting entertainment
JeffersonCody12 December 2008
DIRECTOR Ralph Ziman's vivid, action-packed South African gangster epic makes for exciting big screen entertainment. Highly commercial and hardly politically correct, but reeking with authenticity, the aptly and ironically titled "Jerusalema" offers cinema-goers the same sort of tough, high-energy thrills as crime epics like "Scarface", "American Gangster" and "City of God". Unlike "Tsotsi", it's not out win awards, or to preach about the struggle. It's out to please crowds. Yet, while telling a strong, funny, gripping, well-acted story of a young gangster's rise to power, it also manages to paint a devastating picture of how and why crime has spiraled out of control in the new South Africa. Telling its tale on a broad canvas, it begins in Soweto in the early 1990s, introducing the audience to two teenage boys, Lucky Kunene (Jafta Mamabolo) and his best friend Zakes (Motlatsi Mahloko). Lucky is an intelligent, ambitious youngster from a poor single parent home who is accepted into university. He doesn't, however, get a bursary, so he tries to earn money through various legitimate schemes. None of which succeed. Eventually he and Zakes are sucked into crime though their relationship with Nazareth (a potent Jeffrey Sekele), an angry disaffected, former ANC guerilla. And soon they're hijacking cars ("affirmative repossession", says Nazareth). But, after a botched robbery and a near fatal encounter with the police, the lads must flee to the "jungles" of Hillbrow. Cut to five years later. Lucky and Zakes (now played by Rapulana Seiphemo and Ronnie Nyakale) are operating a pirate Taxi and scraping by. It's a dangerous life and when armed rivals steal their taxi, Lucky decides to return to crime. "Jeruselema" might shock some middle-class viewers, but it is riveting fare and the crowd I saw it with clapped and cheered along with the action. The charismatic Seiphemo delivers a stunning performance - turning Lucky into a surprisingly sympathetic anti-hero, and he's superbly supported by Nyakale, Sekele and a devilish Malusi Skenjana, who plays a slimy Nigerian drug dealer. Then there are the great action scenes and the powerful underlying themes. This vibrant, violent, colorful, authentic crime thriller, which pays homage to Michael Mann's classic, "Heat" heralds a new dawn in South African film-making and is highly recommended to audiences looking for top notch entertainment.
Interesting Piece Of Work
rickyricardomokwena25 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This was an appealing motion picture from South Africa but nothing out of the ordinary.The story line is direct but desiccated.It wastes not time and goes immediately into the tragedy with no stops no loop-holes.
It moves at a fast pace with awesome rawness,remarkable action sequences and noticeably catchy dialog.But ,then again this story about South Africa has been told before and the audience has grew tired of this.This meaning a seemingly unchanged usual portrayal of South Africa as a crime infested place.Not meaning that South Africa is not crime infested but the way which filmmakers portray it.'Ralph Zimans' approach to the crime film is regular with nothing fresh. The story of hi-jacking and apartheid has been told in this way so many times before.What the audience wants to see is this story told at a diverse acuity.
This film targets a topic which is a pandemic in South Africa but does it in a way that gives the audience a look and feel of having seen this before.If you look closely Jerusalema is chip off 'Hijack Stories' 2006 which starred Rapulana Seiphemo again in the lead role.
The character development and acting was stimulating except that the filmmakers did not explore the depth of the characters in such a way that it builds a lasting connection through to the audience.Such as was done in 'Tsotsi' 2006 which is why it won an Academy Award.
Jerusalema is highly entertaining but very forgettable immediately afterward watching it.The hype behind the film was thrilling however the characters, the ending and the story itself are all unmemorable.
It moves at a fast pace with awesome rawness,remarkable action sequences and noticeably catchy dialog.But ,then again this story about South Africa has been told before and the audience has grew tired of this.This meaning a seemingly unchanged usual portrayal of South Africa as a crime infested place.Not meaning that South Africa is not crime infested but the way which filmmakers portray it.'Ralph Zimans' approach to the crime film is regular with nothing fresh. The story of hi-jacking and apartheid has been told in this way so many times before.What the audience wants to see is this story told at a diverse acuity.
This film targets a topic which is a pandemic in South Africa but does it in a way that gives the audience a look and feel of having seen this before.If you look closely Jerusalema is chip off 'Hijack Stories' 2006 which starred Rapulana Seiphemo again in the lead role.
The character development and acting was stimulating except that the filmmakers did not explore the depth of the characters in such a way that it builds a lasting connection through to the audience.Such as was done in 'Tsotsi' 2006 which is why it won an Academy Award.
Jerusalema is highly entertaining but very forgettable immediately afterward watching it.The hype behind the film was thrilling however the characters, the ending and the story itself are all unmemorable.
Jerusalema - Brilliant!
Silver822 September 2008
If Jerusalema, the latest film about life in South Africa's underbelly of Hillbrow, can make a film like the award winning Tsotsi look like child's play, you need to ask yourself the question: "Why haven't I seen it yet?" Even more disturbing is that Jerusalema premiered at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, and has already been raking in the awards.
Star of the film - Lucky Kunene's motto in life is taken from an Al Capone movie "If you're going to steal ... steal big, and hope like hell you get away with it!" Like a fly on the wall, we get to watch how an innocent youth from Soweto, a victim of circumstance, turns to crime and works his way up to become the hoodlum of Hillbrow.
The acting is superb and will have you engrossed in the film in no time. The script is watertight, and quite probably the most accurate account of South Africa's criminal underworld that you're ever going to see.
The scary part about all of this? It's based on true events! (But don't be put off SA, this is a small part of a big country)
Star of the film - Lucky Kunene's motto in life is taken from an Al Capone movie "If you're going to steal ... steal big, and hope like hell you get away with it!" Like a fly on the wall, we get to watch how an innocent youth from Soweto, a victim of circumstance, turns to crime and works his way up to become the hoodlum of Hillbrow.
The acting is superb and will have you engrossed in the film in no time. The script is watertight, and quite probably the most accurate account of South Africa's criminal underworld that you're ever going to see.
The scary part about all of this? It's based on true events! (But don't be put off SA, this is a small part of a big country)
Nothing special
RickManhattan4 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
If the goal is to mimic action thrillers from the US, this film does a satisfactory job. If it is to reflect the current situation in South Africa, I tend to doubt its authenticity: Lucky's activities on this massive scale seem implausible or impossible. If the makers of the film had wanted to make political statements they could just as well have had Lucky "rehabilitate" a couple of buildings, which is probably what actually happened "in real life." They chose instead to dramatize and enlarge the scope, simply for effect and to make the character grander and more heroic. That's fair, but the numerous anachronisms and "goofs" already elaborated by other cinephiles illustrate that the production while compelling was sloppy
Without in any way trying to condescend, Hollywood could have done the action of this show better, but there is a lot of credit due the production, so it's a pity the production goes for visual and physical effect instead of character development and a convincing story line. The action is lively but episodic, I could swear I see the same apartment-building entrance posing several times as different buildings, and the acting is inconsistent. The "love affair" seems like an afterthought, perhaps to rattle the cage of white Afrikaners, and the flat- footed naming of the police bad guy "Swart" (Black) is just too obvious. It's worth seeing, not twice.
Without in any way trying to condescend, Hollywood could have done the action of this show better, but there is a lot of credit due the production, so it's a pity the production goes for visual and physical effect instead of character development and a convincing story line. The action is lively but episodic, I could swear I see the same apartment-building entrance posing several times as different buildings, and the acting is inconsistent. The "love affair" seems like an afterthought, perhaps to rattle the cage of white Afrikaners, and the flat- footed naming of the police bad guy "Swart" (Black) is just too obvious. It's worth seeing, not twice.
all property is theft
fnorful22 May 2009
I saw this in the Pan-African Images Sidebar at the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival.
It's an interesting mix of local South African dialect and English, with Rapulana Seiphemo extending his lead role from "Tsotsi" which is appropriate, since the story line is derivative of that film. This is about the adult Tsotsi could readily become: an ambitious gangster, a Sowetan Robin Hood whose crimes often mirror what the legal ethic endorses, but for the character Kunene it's more about his community.
A couple of historical quotes figure large in this. Although Marx is attributed as the author of the "all property is theft" line in the movie, Marx considered this statement by Proudhon as "self-refuting". But it does seem an apt theme to the story of a culture in flux after its colonial disenfranchisement. Al Capone's "the bigger the crime the bigger the payoff" summarizes the operational ethic quite well.
A somewhat raw film (which is why I gave it a 5 I grade "bell-curve") this is still an interesting movie from a developing South African market. See it if you get the chance!
It's an interesting mix of local South African dialect and English, with Rapulana Seiphemo extending his lead role from "Tsotsi" which is appropriate, since the story line is derivative of that film. This is about the adult Tsotsi could readily become: an ambitious gangster, a Sowetan Robin Hood whose crimes often mirror what the legal ethic endorses, but for the character Kunene it's more about his community.
A couple of historical quotes figure large in this. Although Marx is attributed as the author of the "all property is theft" line in the movie, Marx considered this statement by Proudhon as "self-refuting". But it does seem an apt theme to the story of a culture in flux after its colonial disenfranchisement. Al Capone's "the bigger the crime the bigger the payoff" summarizes the operational ethic quite well.
A somewhat raw film (which is why I gave it a 5 I grade "bell-curve") this is still an interesting movie from a developing South African market. See it if you get the chance!
Roiling self
chaos-rampant12 April 2016
This is a mix of things. One is the Italian mode about human struggle in a world of ruins and poverty, another is the gangster mode about the rise and fall of a charismatic shyster, a third is social parable on the country's fate after apartheid, with poverty giving rise to crime that is covertly redressing the social balance.
I'm generally not a big fan of either of these modes, but just as I'm about to pin it down to a certain type, it shifts again, much like the wily protagonist who moves between motivations, from genuine hurt and outrage, to capricious desire to stick it to the man. The film pulls back from simply accepting him as a Robin Hood whose only motive is to give back to the poor, or as a Tony Montana who just wants to roll in riches, and in that balance lies its charm.
I saw this together with (an attempted viewing of) Tsotsi and this seemed like the more multifaceted view of a place that is still in the process of healing itself, more self-aware about its world.
I'm generally not a big fan of either of these modes, but just as I'm about to pin it down to a certain type, it shifts again, much like the wily protagonist who moves between motivations, from genuine hurt and outrage, to capricious desire to stick it to the man. The film pulls back from simply accepting him as a Robin Hood whose only motive is to give back to the poor, or as a Tony Montana who just wants to roll in riches, and in that balance lies its charm.
I saw this together with (an attempted viewing of) Tsotsi and this seemed like the more multifaceted view of a place that is still in the process of healing itself, more self-aware about its world.
As I walk in the valley of shadow of death !!
madhukar309 June 2021
Gangster movies around the world have already carved a special territory in the world of movies for the past six decades. Hollywood movies featuring gangs from New York and LA, the cartels of Colombia, Mexico and Rio de Janeiro are world famous. The movies on Italian & Russian mafia, Chinese Triads and Japanese Yakuza are world famous. Almost every country in the world has some decent offerings on the gangster space in its movie industry. Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a wonderful addition to the long running list on Gangster "Genre" movies. Thanks to the director Ralph Ziman work here, the world gets a peek at the South African gangster scene.
In comparison to the world's best gangster movies, Jerusalema does falter a bit, but the movie provides some great insights in understanding the type & style of crime in South Africa. The movie, based on some true events has the necessary bite in keeping the viewer interested with its screenplay. A semi documentary styled cinematography is a mixed bag having some good and bad bits mixed together. Editing is supportive in the storytelling and the 117 minute runtime does fatigue the viewer much as the plot is pretty well edited. Production design, costumes and makeup are par. Music and background score was ok too. Stunt scenes involving guns weren't bad at all for a movie coming out of South Africa. Though the actors have tried pretty hard, there weren't performances that I would call great.
Overall, though not in the same league as Totsi, Jerusalema is good enough to have a look in. If you like movies of the gangster genre, this movie is definitely worth a try and it will not disappoint you. The movie has a stereotyped rags to riches story but will keep you interested with some cool elements throughout. The cast & crew have definitely put in a genuine effort to garner 6.8 stars out of 10 in my books.
In comparison to the world's best gangster movies, Jerusalema does falter a bit, but the movie provides some great insights in understanding the type & style of crime in South Africa. The movie, based on some true events has the necessary bite in keeping the viewer interested with its screenplay. A semi documentary styled cinematography is a mixed bag having some good and bad bits mixed together. Editing is supportive in the storytelling and the 117 minute runtime does fatigue the viewer much as the plot is pretty well edited. Production design, costumes and makeup are par. Music and background score was ok too. Stunt scenes involving guns weren't bad at all for a movie coming out of South Africa. Though the actors have tried pretty hard, there weren't performances that I would call great.
Overall, though not in the same league as Totsi, Jerusalema is good enough to have a look in. If you like movies of the gangster genre, this movie is definitely worth a try and it will not disappoint you. The movie has a stereotyped rags to riches story but will keep you interested with some cool elements throughout. The cast & crew have definitely put in a genuine effort to garner 6.8 stars out of 10 in my books.
Incredible Film - Shame about the lack of mainstream distribution
hotlevy6 February 2009
I saw this film previewed on CNN and went to see it at the Zurich Film Festival with some American friends of mine. Being South African one could see that this film was simply a labour of love for the beloved country. Ralph Ziman, the self effacing director was on hand to talk about the film after the movie and I asked him how he got all the original footage of the Mandela inauguration etc, which he has cleverly weaved into the movie. His answer was amazing: He shot it himself over the years, which means that Ralph has single handedly created parts of a record of SA history no one else has. At the end of the day the film is broad enough and topical enough to override Tsotsi on many levels, dealing with the integral white black relationship in South Africa (the main black criminal building hijacker in the movie has an affair with a well to do white Jewish girl from the burbs) and how these parts of society interrelate. Last but not least, as it is not stuck in the modality of "Tsotsi only" it manages to look refreshingly at a broad swathe of the themes and reality affecting SA society today. Though Ralph denies it :) (correct me if I am wrong Ralph) Tsotsi has inevitably influenced the making of Jerusalema but on many levels is radically different. In a sense I missed the whimsical sadness of Tsotsi and Jerusalema pans through the skyline and scenes of our Johannesburg far too fast to really do it justice. More of that please. However, its a fast moving film that was enjoyed not just by me but by some Americans I dragged along to it. They really liked it proving that it scope and graphic talks to a worldwide audience. Bravo Ralph. Your country has cause to be very proud of you. You are a true son of South Africa.
Good film let down by a meagre budget!
patherwill2 October 2021
A fast moving 'coming of age' movie based firstly in the Townships of Soweto where 'Lucky' and his best friend 'Zakes' are growing up among the poorest of the poor. They are almost driven to crime once Lucky receives his exam results which include an offer to attend a good college but he then realises there is NO School Scholarship offer to go with it and he has no hope of paying for it After a short time he and Zakes find it necessary to leave and go to Jo'burg where there are richer pickings. In 15 or so years he has moved from car theft to armed robbery and he finally gravitates to fraud, theft and murder, which is usually limited to his own criminal class. Rapulana Seiphemo is in the lead roleand the film was Directed by Ralph Ziman. This film only had a 2million dollar budget yet returned less than 500k which in NO WAY is a true indication of how good the film was.
An Ace In The Hole For the Home Team
janetalexandria8 September 2008
Tsotsi is nothing compared to Jerusalema. Finally a real South African movie that can hold its head up high. Totally authentic, all respect to those involved. A mirror on Jozi and what our lives are really like. I hope other film makers will take note and pull their sox up. It's time to stop being embarrassed about being South African and take pride in our local industry. I strongly recommend all South Africans and go and see it on the big screen as the producers intended. I'm gonna spread the word. And please, do not by pirated DVD's; help enable the local movie industry to grow... I loved this movie. I cannot say it enough times. I am speechless. KUDOS MZANSI.
By far the best gangstar film made in South Africa.
beso-langa17 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Ziman's formalism is depicted from reality and it is very well executed. The story in the first act is told from the advent of South African democracy, that first act has its own subthemes that make up a three act structure all on its own. Kunene as youngster flirts with crime and finds rare redemption after a botched robbery. A lot happens within this first act, much of it based on ANC disgruntled MK fighters who came back to the country only to be excluded from the feeding trough whilst the party elite move into a new dispensation as wealthy oligarchs. That set up the emotional tone of the story as the downtrodden radical embark on a crime spree to even the plain field. This reminded me of the first act of SCARFACE, but original enough in how it is told. This act also pays homage to Michael Mann's 1995 crime epic HEAT.
Right into the second act, the point of no return or inciting incident occurs. This time inside the country's most volatile city, Johannesburg. Kunene rises to the top. Here the character's state of mind is revealed to the audience. With an application of intelligence and wilfulness he becomes the city's reputable slumlord. He takes over the urban dwelling high risers much like the subtext suggests one vital aspects of freedom fighters agenda, "the land for the people". A Robin Hood syndrome pivots the story to where the hero becomes big enough to attract enemies. First being the encounter with a white girl looking to rescue her drug addled brother from the clutches of a nefarious Nigerian drug lord. Kunene helps her ransom her brother and the two become lovers. Second opposition comes from the relentless vice police detective. Blackie Swart character is well researched. The apartheid constabulary effects show two aspects about the climate of the post Verwoerden era: one white policemen leave the service for private security and two the remaining ones are forces to use vlakplaas tactics to curb crime. This was very nonchalant from the writer/ director. Spot on. The protagonist becomes the target of not only the law but of dissent within his own camp as his rivalry with the Nigerians escalate to one of his own is used as a tool of subterfuge.
When Kunene loses his best friend and partner a no holds bar approach like a guntotting Charles Bronson, I saw local iconic picture in the acting of Rapulana Seiphemo who might as well have a Tshirt bearing his antics in this film. The hero viscarates his nemesis in a gunfight.
Back to the beginning of the story, where a swat team arrests Kunene in the opening scene. This third act compliments Bryan Singer's USUAL SUSPECTS but is done similarly than plagiarized. The hero with the aid of his banker and lawyer escapes from his confined hospital bed. Outwitting the corrupt and inept law officer. Another subtext conveying a crucial message about the country's new dispensation and corruption within the ranks of its law enforcement. Also highlights two contrasts, Blackie Swart's high profile arrest downplayed by a beat cop's ineptitude. The ending was a low point anti-climax. The protagonists rides into the sunset but this lack of imagination is the writer/ director's low point. It pretty much says that the law has no reach inside the national territories as the protagonist escapes from Joburg to Durban...
Right into the second act, the point of no return or inciting incident occurs. This time inside the country's most volatile city, Johannesburg. Kunene rises to the top. Here the character's state of mind is revealed to the audience. With an application of intelligence and wilfulness he becomes the city's reputable slumlord. He takes over the urban dwelling high risers much like the subtext suggests one vital aspects of freedom fighters agenda, "the land for the people". A Robin Hood syndrome pivots the story to where the hero becomes big enough to attract enemies. First being the encounter with a white girl looking to rescue her drug addled brother from the clutches of a nefarious Nigerian drug lord. Kunene helps her ransom her brother and the two become lovers. Second opposition comes from the relentless vice police detective. Blackie Swart character is well researched. The apartheid constabulary effects show two aspects about the climate of the post Verwoerden era: one white policemen leave the service for private security and two the remaining ones are forces to use vlakplaas tactics to curb crime. This was very nonchalant from the writer/ director. Spot on. The protagonist becomes the target of not only the law but of dissent within his own camp as his rivalry with the Nigerians escalate to one of his own is used as a tool of subterfuge.
When Kunene loses his best friend and partner a no holds bar approach like a guntotting Charles Bronson, I saw local iconic picture in the acting of Rapulana Seiphemo who might as well have a Tshirt bearing his antics in this film. The hero viscarates his nemesis in a gunfight.
Back to the beginning of the story, where a swat team arrests Kunene in the opening scene. This third act compliments Bryan Singer's USUAL SUSPECTS but is done similarly than plagiarized. The hero with the aid of his banker and lawyer escapes from his confined hospital bed. Outwitting the corrupt and inept law officer. Another subtext conveying a crucial message about the country's new dispensation and corruption within the ranks of its law enforcement. Also highlights two contrasts, Blackie Swart's high profile arrest downplayed by a beat cop's ineptitude. The ending was a low point anti-climax. The protagonists rides into the sunset but this lack of imagination is the writer/ director's low point. It pretty much says that the law has no reach inside the national territories as the protagonist escapes from Joburg to Durban...
Moving Account of Modern South Africa
cliffordn-15 November 2008
A movie that speaks to the core of the human spirit. As much as the movie is South African, anyone who has been faced with hardship will relate. Our dreams, when they shatter and fade painfully silently and the dark talents we discover in desperation for a moment to live the life we once aspired to. Seiphemo, Zekele and the supporting cast are brilliant on a script that pulls no punches, with impeccable direction. The overall execution leaves no vague on what goes wrong and how it becomes celebrated as fruits of crime are reaped and shared by even the most moral in our lives. South African cinema has moved to the next stage in evolution i.e. reflection on some of the darker sides of the new South Africa. A masterpiece.
Jerusalema
a211486130 March 2010
JERUSALEMA investigates the spirit of the individual to assert himself against both the system ad poverty. This film explores concepts of law enforcement in a country whose people have suffered oppression at the hands of police. The film tells the story of a self made entrepreneur from the slums of Soweto, his motto, crime really pays in the new South Africa. Freedom is slavery now, revolutions bring new order and they also bring opportunity. Might is right and possession is none tenths of the law. Welcome to the promised land, a new Jerusalem! The film by Ralph Ziman is based on real events and goes against what has become predictable. Ziman offers us an unusual insight into what has often been called the crime capital of the world. Hillbrow, inner city Johannesburg, demonstrates the beauty and barbarity of a new paradise. The director gives an unbiased view of the contemporary landscape, which most South Africans are aware of, but turn a blind eye. The director remains neutral, impartial, without resorting to stereotypes or over simplifications. He describes a city as it is, without no attempt to gloss over the grit. This is a complex, multi layered view of South Africa post apartheid. It casts a fresh eye on the recent manifestations of xenophobia. Beautiful photography, haunting music and excellent acting by a cast of unknowns. Recommend.
Just another (poor) gangster movie
technohype19 April 2011
I don't care about who produces a movie or how old it is, for me its just about entertainment. One minute into the movie it starts with a guy in the prison talking about his past....very creative. So I realized "this is just a copycat of all the other random gangster movies". And I was damn right.
There are lots of scenes that are just dull and unrealistic, without being funny or cool at all. The whole story is too predictable, boring and also kind of nonsensical.
Don't watch this, if you like clever, funny or realistic gangster movies. This movie has a 2 point bonus for being from Africa. If this had been a Hollywood flick, it would have reached a 6 at max. So be warned.
There are lots of scenes that are just dull and unrealistic, without being funny or cool at all. The whole story is too predictable, boring and also kind of nonsensical.
Don't watch this, if you like clever, funny or realistic gangster movies. This movie has a 2 point bonus for being from Africa. If this had been a Hollywood flick, it would have reached a 6 at max. So be warned.
Solid crime / gangster picture
8512226 May 2016
Greetings from Lithuania.
"Jerusalema" (2008) is a very solid crime / gangster picture with kinda unique setting, good acting, solid script and directing. I was really involved into this story which plays like many other gangster movies when we see one man's way trough hierarchy. Music was nice, as well as very good cinematography. While this picture isn't very original or fresh, it's is always nice to see a good movie, which "Jerusalema" definitely is.
Overall, while this story isn't original, it is a very solid movie. At running time 1 h 50 min i was entertained and involved into the movie more then i thought i would. Recommended for everyone who likes good gangster movies.
"Jerusalema" (2008) is a very solid crime / gangster picture with kinda unique setting, good acting, solid script and directing. I was really involved into this story which plays like many other gangster movies when we see one man's way trough hierarchy. Music was nice, as well as very good cinematography. While this picture isn't very original or fresh, it's is always nice to see a good movie, which "Jerusalema" definitely is.
Overall, while this story isn't original, it is a very solid movie. At running time 1 h 50 min i was entertained and involved into the movie more then i thought i would. Recommended for everyone who likes good gangster movies.
A South African Scarface
Seth_Rogue_One5 March 2016
A South African Scarface but with a far more likable lead who does whine constantly when he doesn't get his way like Tony Montana did, and overall less of an a-hole lol.
Anyway it's a definitely above average gangster-epos amazingly enough done with just 2 million dollars, it doesn't look cheap by any means.
Compare that with for instance 'PUBLIC ENEMIES (2009)' which cost 50 times more at 100 million dollars, sure that was filmed in the US and had a all star Hollywood cast but this movie is still a bit better on most levels and if it is that cheap to make movies in South Africa then more people should do it.
Good performances all around, yeah nothing to really complain about.
The movie mixes English with Afrikaans, about 50/50 each or a stronger lenience towards English.
It didn't blow me away in the same way 'TSOTSI (2005)' did when it came out but considering that that is one of my favorite movies it would be surprising if it did, still more than well worth a watch though.
Anyway it's a definitely above average gangster-epos amazingly enough done with just 2 million dollars, it doesn't look cheap by any means.
Compare that with for instance 'PUBLIC ENEMIES (2009)' which cost 50 times more at 100 million dollars, sure that was filmed in the US and had a all star Hollywood cast but this movie is still a bit better on most levels and if it is that cheap to make movies in South Africa then more people should do it.
Good performances all around, yeah nothing to really complain about.
The movie mixes English with Afrikaans, about 50/50 each or a stronger lenience towards English.
It didn't blow me away in the same way 'TSOTSI (2005)' did when it came out but considering that that is one of my favorite movies it would be surprising if it did, still more than well worth a watch though.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
