Interesting movie where you actually cared for the outcomes of the characters! With a little finer editing it could've been a better movie but still a solid seven from me!
53 Reviews
Not your usual bank job!
richardpowell-2390829 April 2022
Silverton Siege uses certain licenses to tell a story that deserves to be told"
resteban-9454030 May 2022
Silverton Siege is a South African film partially based on a true story that raises questions about freedom, slavery and injustice. Composed of a script that takes certain creative licenses when narrating the story, but that is far beyond being a film about the search for freedom.
Silverton Siege chronicles the events that accidentally triggered the "Nelson Mandela Freedom Movement. An emotional film full of feelings of justice and liberation. With outstanding performances and a fairly acceptable editing, the film is permeated by constant tension and by the unbridled rhythm of a group of people who find themselves involved in a spiral where everything seems to be getting worse. An unmissable and indispensable story.
"It always seems impossible until it's done, Silverton Siege uses certain licenses to tell a story that deserves to be told"
Silverton Siege chronicles the events that accidentally triggered the "Nelson Mandela Freedom Movement. An emotional film full of feelings of justice and liberation. With outstanding performances and a fairly acceptable editing, the film is permeated by constant tension and by the unbridled rhythm of a group of people who find themselves involved in a spiral where everything seems to be getting worse. An unmissable and indispensable story.
"It always seems impossible until it's done, Silverton Siege uses certain licenses to tell a story that deserves to be told"
Reality, fantasy or fabrication.
losmuertosx1 May 2022
When I first saw the ratings of this movie - I was shocked to see why such a good movie has gotten bad ratings.
Why are the people upset ?
I instantly understood what could be the problem.
It was the fact that the movie is based on actual events.
Upon research, using materials published by the media. I found that the movie had presented a different story than that which actually took place.
But it is also often said that, history is written by victors.
I do not know of the actual events that transpired.
The movie is actually good, with some great acting by Thabo Rametsi and Arnold Vosloo.
Seeing that this movie is a touchy subject to some people because of the event and the groups involved, and the difference of opinion on what actually took place that day. It is unfortunate, that this movie will suffer because of the negative ratings that it will receive.
But at the same time, being an outsider. Seeing this movie unbiased, I understand both the sides.
Why are the people upset ?
I instantly understood what could be the problem.
It was the fact that the movie is based on actual events.
Upon research, using materials published by the media. I found that the movie had presented a different story than that which actually took place.
But it is also often said that, history is written by victors.
I do not know of the actual events that transpired.
The movie is actually good, with some great acting by Thabo Rametsi and Arnold Vosloo.
Seeing that this movie is a touchy subject to some people because of the event and the groups involved, and the difference of opinion on what actually took place that day. It is unfortunate, that this movie will suffer because of the negative ratings that it will receive.
But at the same time, being an outsider. Seeing this movie unbiased, I understand both the sides.
It was interesting
adwords-0492728 April 2022
I am Afrikaans, I seriously think the director missed an opportunity to show South Africa. A panoramic view of the city. Nobody has a clue where this bank is located. More detail about the type of police vehicles. Even the special forces.... Is that the type of special forces South Africa used in the 1980s? I don't think so.
As far as the rest of the story is concerned, it is a little slow moving. Meaning these ANC fighters were fast moving. They killed people without hesitation. They strongly believed in their ideology. Some were nationalistic, while others put their ideological beliefs above the interests of their own country and everyone wanted a better life. They were against segregation but they wanted to gain political and economical control over the entire country above all else.
It's interesting, but I am sure people want to see more details about who the characters are.... it is difficult for a director and script-writers to tell more about characters, but that is what people expect. Where do they come from? Show their homes. Their home towns. Of everyone. The entire city. Don't just show units arriving and disappearing, show a little detail about these units.
People like to see more detail of everything. Close-ups of the money that was used. People are interested in those things. The telephones. Everything. The director doesn't realize people are interested in details.
The ANC fighters / terrorists were unbelievable. They were fanatics. Sorry to be so blunt. But it is the truth.
Their leaders were moderates, more than the Afrikaners, but their fighters were indoctrinated in Marxist re-education camps.
So I think the screen time is absolutely wasted on a few characters, while you have an entire city you can photograph and camera angles to bring various perspectives to the story.
As far as the rest of the story is concerned, it is a little slow moving. Meaning these ANC fighters were fast moving. They killed people without hesitation. They strongly believed in their ideology. Some were nationalistic, while others put their ideological beliefs above the interests of their own country and everyone wanted a better life. They were against segregation but they wanted to gain political and economical control over the entire country above all else.
It's interesting, but I am sure people want to see more details about who the characters are.... it is difficult for a director and script-writers to tell more about characters, but that is what people expect. Where do they come from? Show their homes. Their home towns. Of everyone. The entire city. Don't just show units arriving and disappearing, show a little detail about these units.
People like to see more detail of everything. Close-ups of the money that was used. People are interested in those things. The telephones. Everything. The director doesn't realize people are interested in details.
The ANC fighters / terrorists were unbelievable. They were fanatics. Sorry to be so blunt. But it is the truth.
Their leaders were moderates, more than the Afrikaners, but their fighters were indoctrinated in Marxist re-education camps.
So I think the screen time is absolutely wasted on a few characters, while you have an entire city you can photograph and camera angles to bring various perspectives to the story.
Interesting
Horror_Flick_Fanatic29 April 2022
This film might have been better if it were made into a limited series instead of a film. Perhaps a 3 or 4 episode show. I say this because it needed more main character and situation development for those like myself who are not knowledgeable about the details of South Africa in this time period. Perhaps more time to dive into each character a little more? The film assumes the audience knows what is going on and perhaps this film was originally made for internal consumption in SA. But for a global audience, it makes our head scratch with some confusion.
The beginning of the film is pretty good. I liked the car chases and the fire fights. The acting was excellent. The actors that played Calvin and Terra were very good.
Once the trio reach the bank, the story slows down. So now the viewer has couch adrenaline and no way to dissipate it. The side characters were interesting, comical and cringy. I wonder if there really was an Afro-American boxing promotor with a suitcase with the letters USA written boldly on it like it was on the film or was that improvised? Probably doesn't matter in the overall context of the film.
It's not a bad film. It just needed some touch ups. It leaves global audiences with more questions than answers.
The beginning of the film is pretty good. I liked the car chases and the fire fights. The acting was excellent. The actors that played Calvin and Terra were very good.
Once the trio reach the bank, the story slows down. So now the viewer has couch adrenaline and no way to dissipate it. The side characters were interesting, comical and cringy. I wonder if there really was an Afro-American boxing promotor with a suitcase with the letters USA written boldly on it like it was on the film or was that improvised? Probably doesn't matter in the overall context of the film.
It's not a bad film. It just needed some touch ups. It leaves global audiences with more questions than answers.
Freedom will cost you everything.
claudzspark1 May 2022
Started off to watch a movie while doing some stuff but I was unable to do anything as I was hooked to watch from start to end. The main characters' acting makes you want more.
This movie doesn't patronize terrorists or the crimes they make. This movie also didn't show too much blood and violence. Instead, the movie evokes the nationality in you and shows that violence doesn't always solve your or your nation's problems.
Refreshing to watch and the message for freedom is strong. As a citizen of a colonized country, watching "Silverton Siege" triggered a lot of emotions and made me re-think about my perception of freedom.
This movie doesn't patronize terrorists or the crimes they make. This movie also didn't show too much blood and violence. Instead, the movie evokes the nationality in you and shows that violence doesn't always solve your or your nation's problems.
Refreshing to watch and the message for freedom is strong. As a citizen of a colonized country, watching "Silverton Siege" triggered a lot of emotions and made me re-think about my perception of freedom.
Freedom Fighters
joaofm-359872 May 2022
Surprisingly very good movie. It leaves some untied dots, but actors performance and script is great. Of course we all know it's INSPIRED by true events, It does not depict the events themselves. But these guys were true Freedom Fighters. It's disgusting that in 1980, and later, South Africa had this outrageous regime. Freedom for South Africans only came 30 years ago and it's important to understand that only then could black people start to try to have the same opportunities as whites. Very good movie.
The best S.A. film I've seen, and another Netflix win!
Top_Dawg_Critic28 April 2022
I really liked the fact this was NOT a typical Hollywood-style "based on true events" film. It felt real, like it was a live news segment. Newb South African director Mandla Dube in his second directorial debut gives us near perfect directing, even with his cast direction. Just as impressive was the writing by amateur Sabelo Mgidi in their first ever writing credit. The screenplay wasn't perfect (I wanted to know more about the older black lady), but it was better than I've seen some seasoned writers come up with lately. The 100 min runtime and great pacing were well used, I actually wanted more. It was pretty much non-stop thrills and suspense. I really enjoyed the story and its relation to Mandela's voices for freedom.
The cinematography and color palettes were spot-on, as were the sets and props to reflect the 80's era. The score was fitting and the sound on point. But most impressive was the convincing and outstanding performances by the three leads portraying activists, who are pretty much unknown newb actors that gave award-worthy performances.
I really didn't expect much from the low reviews from the wannabe critics and their 1's and 2's, but I was pleasantly impressed with the entire production. If you enjoy "true events" films especially historical ones, this is a must see. It's a well deserved 8.5/10 rounded up to a 9.
The cinematography and color palettes were spot-on, as were the sets and props to reflect the 80's era. The score was fitting and the sound on point. But most impressive was the convincing and outstanding performances by the three leads portraying activists, who are pretty much unknown newb actors that gave award-worthy performances.
I really didn't expect much from the low reviews from the wannabe critics and their 1's and 2's, but I was pleasantly impressed with the entire production. If you enjoy "true events" films especially historical ones, this is a must see. It's a well deserved 8.5/10 rounded up to a 9.
Disappointed
awesomeamon30 April 2022
The price of freedom , everything .
hcmzc27 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
If you're African , black , or ever experienced racism , this movie would be heart tugging for you . Shows us the price of freedom , what our fore-fathers went through and the historic importance of those who fought for our freedom which we are partially enjoying today . I love this movie with my heart & the only reason I gave it an 8 star is because of how it ended , an intense gun battle showing their last stand would have created an epic " standup emotional " moment for whoever the viewer might be ! Else it's an all round fresh movie .
#Thepriceoffreedomiseverything !
#Thepriceoffreedomiseverything !
Utter rubbish
suraj-omprakash5 May 2022
Has taken the real Silverton Seige and turned it on its head as some woke narrative, typical Netflix. The terrorists are portrayed as man's gift to mankind in this movie, and the entire SA police force as some limp impotent force. In reality the STF took these guys out in short measure, with no white "wokness" speaking out about and against blackness or whiteness.
Not perfect, but better than Hollywood
Lankstarr338 May 2022
It's not perfect. However, Silverton Siege does a much better job of demonstrating the political climate of the Apartheid regime than some international productions, like Escape from Pretoria (with Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame.)
As a South African production, the accents, South African languages, scenery and props are all very authentic. The acting, writing and direction could have been better, but everyone makes a good effort. I was engaged as a South African, but so was my wife who isn't South African.
That being said, it's not your average bank heist film. So keep that in mind.
As a South African production, the accents, South African languages, scenery and props are all very authentic. The acting, writing and direction could have been better, but everyone makes a good effort. I was engaged as a South African, but so was my wife who isn't South African.
That being said, it's not your average bank heist film. So keep that in mind.
Prison or Death
nogodnomasters16 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Inspired by a true story (with added fictional characters for drama) three South African "terrorists" end up in a bank after a police chase. They are part of a revolutionary movement for freedom in 1980. Held up in the bank they demand the release of Nelson Mandela.
The film was enjoyable to watch as a near piece of history. What I found most improbable was that Netflix couldn't find a role for Kevin Hart. Couldn't he have played the black American?
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Plot spoiler. Mandela was released 10 years later, and did not die in prison.
The film was enjoyable to watch as a near piece of history. What I found most improbable was that Netflix couldn't find a role for Kevin Hart. Couldn't he have played the black American?
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Plot spoiler. Mandela was released 10 years later, and did not die in prison.
Absolutely ruined my evening
madginneus28 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
At the time Terra and Calvin came out with the american guy (Mr Washington) to burn the money leaving alto inside who was the informat to the police they had the chance to take them out while living no risk to the hostages.
Like seriously how can the police (captain) believe the bank robbers they've been trying to catch for a long time that all of it was for a movement (Freedom). Freedom for Nelson Mandela
Yes for real the hostages could believe it was a movement and could grow the stockholm syndrome but for the guy holding a gun at alto's head why would he start shooting randomly until the gun goes empty.
Like seriously how can the police (captain) believe the bank robbers they've been trying to catch for a long time that all of it was for a movement (Freedom). Freedom for Nelson Mandela
Yes for real the hostages could believe it was a movement and could grow the stockholm syndrome but for the guy holding a gun at alto's head why would he start shooting randomly until the gun goes empty.
Good film!
marcusfernandes7 August 2022
My titlle is so simple like this.
I'm not Africaans ,of course,but someone that is very interested in South African culture for a long time and a huge fan of Mr Vosloo as an actor.
Not being a masterpiece, the film gave us some moments of thrill.
I really enjoy productions based in real events but the problem with this one is that are too many liberties in the script .The real facts....are another story!.
It certainly could be better!
I'm not Africaans ,of course,but someone that is very interested in South African culture for a long time and a huge fan of Mr Vosloo as an actor.
Not being a masterpiece, the film gave us some moments of thrill.
I really enjoy productions based in real events but the problem with this one is that are too many liberties in the script .The real facts....are another story!.
It certainly could be better!
A well-acted and engaging standoff thriller with strong performances from Vosloo and Rametsi
IonicBreezeMachine28 April 2022
Set in 1980s Apartheid South Africa, three members of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Calvin Khumalo (Thabo Rametsi), Mbali Terra Mabunda (Noxolo Dlamini), Aldo Erasmus (Stefan Erasmus) carry out non-lethal operations of sabotage against the White Supremacist Afrikaaner government. When the teams latest operation is stopped due to an informant within their team, the trio are forced to flee and take refuge in a bank with hostages. Captain Langerman (Arnold Vosloo) of the police tries to negotiate with the trio whilst also keeping the overzealous army from exacerbating the situation. With no hope for escape, the trio stage a standoff in the bank with the demand for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned MK leader Nelson Mandela.
Silverton Siege is based on the real life bank siege in the Silverton suburb of Pretoria, South Africa orchestrated by the Silverton Trio of Wilfred Madela, Humprhey Makhubu, Stephen Mafoko as well as George Molebatsi are credited with starting the Free Nelson Mandela campaign. The movie is the softmore feature of Mandla Dube who previously directed Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu and the debut feature writing credit for Sabelo Mgidi. The movie works as both an engaging standoff movie as well as a character piece of how far one will go to attain freedom when it is cruelly denied.
While this may only be Mandla Dube's second feature film, you wouldn't know from watching it because with it's tight pacing and gritty aesthetic that harkens to crime films of the 1970s, it's a movie that is filled with style and tension to spare. The movie is sort of an "anti-heist" film in that it takes many of the tropes and trappings we've seen in these kind of standoff stories in American or European productions and reframes that setup in a uniquely South African story. Arnold Vosloo who most people know as Imhotep from Universal's Mummy movies gives a solid performance as Captain Langerman who's trying to resolve the situation peacefully and has no agenda other than making sure everyone (even the MK trio) end the situation peacefully and without casualties. The three MK members are also really good with Thabo Rametsi a strong lead who wants to make a difference whilst also avoiding casualties as he and his team make it a point only to destroy property and infrastructure and never people. Noxolo Dlamini and Stefan Erasmus are equally good as Rametsi's team, with Dlamini in particular giving some solid intensity to her role that keeps you on edge.
The movie does have some hiccups to it however, the movie has one of those cold opens that's a mere 20 minutes into the movie and it really didn't need to have it. I also feel like the movie takes for granted its viewers' knowledge of South Africa's history with the MK's full name never actually mentioned in movie, we do get the general idea of the era but it's the sort of thing that could've benefitted from a prologue with some archival footage. The movie also has a character Supervisor Christine played by Elani Dekker, and while her performance is fine, there's something about the way the character is positioned that makes her come off as something of a "savior" in the context of this story, but it's not egregiously so or anything and it is in service of looking at the spectrum of everyone in the context of South African Apartheid with those on the black side who either submit, rebel, or in one character's case "pass", and on the white side you have those who are egregiously supremacist, those who are doing it because of maintaining a status quo, or those who are sympathetic but impotent. Like any movie there are flaws, but for me personally the flaws were far outweighed by the emotional resonance of the characters on display and I was glued to my seat for the entire running time.
Silverton Siege is a well-directed feature by Mandla Dube that incorporates the well worn tropes of bank heist/standoff films to build an exciting and thematically rich story that doesn't let up till the very end. With engaging performances from Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini, and Arnold Vosloo, movie is as well acted as it is directed and you grow to care about this situation and its ultimate outcome. The movie is maybe a little too confident in assuming viewers' knowledge of Apartheid and some of the characters do feel a little heavy handed in certain respects, but despite these minor points Silverton Siege is an engaging historical thriller and I look forward to seeing more from Mandla Dube, Thabo Rametsi, and Noxolo Dlamini.
Silverton Siege is based on the real life bank siege in the Silverton suburb of Pretoria, South Africa orchestrated by the Silverton Trio of Wilfred Madela, Humprhey Makhubu, Stephen Mafoko as well as George Molebatsi are credited with starting the Free Nelson Mandela campaign. The movie is the softmore feature of Mandla Dube who previously directed Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu and the debut feature writing credit for Sabelo Mgidi. The movie works as both an engaging standoff movie as well as a character piece of how far one will go to attain freedom when it is cruelly denied.
While this may only be Mandla Dube's second feature film, you wouldn't know from watching it because with it's tight pacing and gritty aesthetic that harkens to crime films of the 1970s, it's a movie that is filled with style and tension to spare. The movie is sort of an "anti-heist" film in that it takes many of the tropes and trappings we've seen in these kind of standoff stories in American or European productions and reframes that setup in a uniquely South African story. Arnold Vosloo who most people know as Imhotep from Universal's Mummy movies gives a solid performance as Captain Langerman who's trying to resolve the situation peacefully and has no agenda other than making sure everyone (even the MK trio) end the situation peacefully and without casualties. The three MK members are also really good with Thabo Rametsi a strong lead who wants to make a difference whilst also avoiding casualties as he and his team make it a point only to destroy property and infrastructure and never people. Noxolo Dlamini and Stefan Erasmus are equally good as Rametsi's team, with Dlamini in particular giving some solid intensity to her role that keeps you on edge.
The movie does have some hiccups to it however, the movie has one of those cold opens that's a mere 20 minutes into the movie and it really didn't need to have it. I also feel like the movie takes for granted its viewers' knowledge of South Africa's history with the MK's full name never actually mentioned in movie, we do get the general idea of the era but it's the sort of thing that could've benefitted from a prologue with some archival footage. The movie also has a character Supervisor Christine played by Elani Dekker, and while her performance is fine, there's something about the way the character is positioned that makes her come off as something of a "savior" in the context of this story, but it's not egregiously so or anything and it is in service of looking at the spectrum of everyone in the context of South African Apartheid with those on the black side who either submit, rebel, or in one character's case "pass", and on the white side you have those who are egregiously supremacist, those who are doing it because of maintaining a status quo, or those who are sympathetic but impotent. Like any movie there are flaws, but for me personally the flaws were far outweighed by the emotional resonance of the characters on display and I was glued to my seat for the entire running time.
Silverton Siege is a well-directed feature by Mandla Dube that incorporates the well worn tropes of bank heist/standoff films to build an exciting and thematically rich story that doesn't let up till the very end. With engaging performances from Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini, and Arnold Vosloo, movie is as well acted as it is directed and you grow to care about this situation and its ultimate outcome. The movie is maybe a little too confident in assuming viewers' knowledge of Apartheid and some of the characters do feel a little heavy handed in certain respects, but despite these minor points Silverton Siege is an engaging historical thriller and I look forward to seeing more from Mandla Dube, Thabo Rametsi, and Noxolo Dlamini.
A decent film inspired by the 1980 incident that launched the 'Free Nelson Mandela' movement
danieljfarthing15 May 2022
South African crime drama "Silverton Siege" is 'inspired by' the 1980 event that sparked the 'Free Nelson Mandela' movement - AND is decent entertainment. After being betrayed on an operation, anti-apartheid freedom-fighters Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini & Stefan Erasmus are holed up in a Jo'burg bank with hostages inc Elani Dekker & Michelle Mosalake - as Arnold Vosloo's cops trap them from outside. Dialogue & action pull out different perspectives as tension builds to the climax (which delivers). Major props to writer Sabelo Mgidi, director Mandla Dube and the excellent cast (esp Rametsi, Dlamini (the African Zendaya), Dekker & Vosloo). Fine & noble fare.
Some correct
sclub-496162 May 2022
The armorer got it correct.
They start at Watloo, near Mamalodi yes BUT next to Silverton, the bank in movie is in Church Square (8-10km far). OK, given the decline of Silverton etc, period Bank would be @ Church Square, chosen to give a jab.
I must say the Brig had it right when he referred to the terrorists as not being people, if you ever had loved ones or friends affected by any terrorist action, you will understand.
A terrorist attacks civilians, this is what the bombs planted did, killed civilians. Tis is also why Manela was in prison for, NOT for wanting to bring change but the bombs he planted, helped plant, help plan. Killing numerous civilians.
Good movie very very very loosely based on events, with some glorification and vilification for spice.
..
Silverton Siege
On 25 January 1980 three MK Cadres (MK the militant wing of the then ANC Terrorist orginisation) - Stephen Mafoko, Humphrey Makhubo and Wilfred Madela - were allegedly on their way to carry out a planned MK sabotage mission on petrol depots at Watloo near Mamelodi. En route, 'the Trio' realised they were being tailed by the police. In an attempt to escape, they took refuge in a branch of Volkskas Bank in Silverton, Pretoria. They held 25 civilians in the bank hostage, making a number of demands, including a meeting with State President Vorster, the release of Nelson Mandela and a man called Mange, as well as R100 000 in cash and an aircraft to fly them to Maputo.
After a series of negotiations, which included the police handing food over to the cadres and hostages, a police unit stormed the bank and all three cadres were killed by the police. Two civilians, Valerie Anderson and Anna de Klerk, were killed and many others were wounded in the shootout.
The Six Hour Siege
Sequence of events as reported by the media
12.00 - 1:15:
The armed Trio enter the Volkskas Bank; eyewitness accounts vary as to the exact time.
The cadres take 25 civilians in the bank hostage, moving them into a corner cubicle.
1:30 - 06:00:
As the focus of the siege is on the ground floor, bank staff on the upper floor manage to escape the building. However bank accountant, Andre Theron, stays behind in hiding.
Members of the Police Anti-Terrorist Unit gain access to the Barclays Bank building nearby. The team set up surveillance equipment, enabling them to monitor what was happening in the Volkskas bank through a periscope and record every sound by means of a tape recorder and microphone.
Captain C. J. de Swardt and Brigadier L. Neethling negotiate with the Trio.
Later two hostages are released carrying notes outlining the Trio's demands.
The Trio sing freedom songs to keep up their moral and remain focussed.
Police gain access to the basement of the bank - using a stairway out of sight. They make their way to the first floor and to Andre Theron. The police are now able to overlook the scene.
Approximately 6.30:
Police appear prepared to act. Police Commissioner, General Mike Geldenhuys, orders the immediate area to be cleared.
Ambulances move closer to the scene and a large crowd of onlookers is ordered to move further away.
7.05:
The first burst of gunfire is heard.
It is unclear if MK cadre Stephen Mafoko opened fire when he realised the police were in the building, or if the police fired first.
Humphrey Makhubo and Wilfred Madela are killed swiftly, but Mafoko continues firing at the police, throwing a hand grenade. Willie Grobler, a teller, grabs the grenade and tries to throw it away. But it explodes, injuring hostages.
Police gun down Mafoko. The Trio die on the scene.
The injured are rushed to the H. F. Verwoerd hospital nearby. Hostage, Valerie Anderson, dies on the scene. Hostage, Anna de Klerk, dies hours later in hospital.
In the month following the Siege, Police arrested nine ANC members. All nine were part of the June 16 detachment, a generation of MK recruits thrown up by the Soweto Revolt of 1976.
They start at Watloo, near Mamalodi yes BUT next to Silverton, the bank in movie is in Church Square (8-10km far). OK, given the decline of Silverton etc, period Bank would be @ Church Square, chosen to give a jab.
I must say the Brig had it right when he referred to the terrorists as not being people, if you ever had loved ones or friends affected by any terrorist action, you will understand.
A terrorist attacks civilians, this is what the bombs planted did, killed civilians. Tis is also why Manela was in prison for, NOT for wanting to bring change but the bombs he planted, helped plant, help plan. Killing numerous civilians.
Good movie very very very loosely based on events, with some glorification and vilification for spice.
..
Silverton Siege
On 25 January 1980 three MK Cadres (MK the militant wing of the then ANC Terrorist orginisation) - Stephen Mafoko, Humphrey Makhubo and Wilfred Madela - were allegedly on their way to carry out a planned MK sabotage mission on petrol depots at Watloo near Mamelodi. En route, 'the Trio' realised they were being tailed by the police. In an attempt to escape, they took refuge in a branch of Volkskas Bank in Silverton, Pretoria. They held 25 civilians in the bank hostage, making a number of demands, including a meeting with State President Vorster, the release of Nelson Mandela and a man called Mange, as well as R100 000 in cash and an aircraft to fly them to Maputo.
After a series of negotiations, which included the police handing food over to the cadres and hostages, a police unit stormed the bank and all three cadres were killed by the police. Two civilians, Valerie Anderson and Anna de Klerk, were killed and many others were wounded in the shootout.
The Six Hour Siege
Sequence of events as reported by the media
12.00 - 1:15:
The armed Trio enter the Volkskas Bank; eyewitness accounts vary as to the exact time.
The cadres take 25 civilians in the bank hostage, moving them into a corner cubicle.
1:30 - 06:00:
As the focus of the siege is on the ground floor, bank staff on the upper floor manage to escape the building. However bank accountant, Andre Theron, stays behind in hiding.
Members of the Police Anti-Terrorist Unit gain access to the Barclays Bank building nearby. The team set up surveillance equipment, enabling them to monitor what was happening in the Volkskas bank through a periscope and record every sound by means of a tape recorder and microphone.
Captain C. J. de Swardt and Brigadier L. Neethling negotiate with the Trio.
Later two hostages are released carrying notes outlining the Trio's demands.
The Trio sing freedom songs to keep up their moral and remain focussed.
Police gain access to the basement of the bank - using a stairway out of sight. They make their way to the first floor and to Andre Theron. The police are now able to overlook the scene.
Approximately 6.30:
Police appear prepared to act. Police Commissioner, General Mike Geldenhuys, orders the immediate area to be cleared.
Ambulances move closer to the scene and a large crowd of onlookers is ordered to move further away.
7.05:
The first burst of gunfire is heard.
It is unclear if MK cadre Stephen Mafoko opened fire when he realised the police were in the building, or if the police fired first.
Humphrey Makhubo and Wilfred Madela are killed swiftly, but Mafoko continues firing at the police, throwing a hand grenade. Willie Grobler, a teller, grabs the grenade and tries to throw it away. But it explodes, injuring hostages.
Police gun down Mafoko. The Trio die on the scene.
The injured are rushed to the H. F. Verwoerd hospital nearby. Hostage, Valerie Anderson, dies on the scene. Hostage, Anna de Klerk, dies hours later in hospital.
In the month following the Siege, Police arrested nine ANC members. All nine were part of the June 16 detachment, a generation of MK recruits thrown up by the Soweto Revolt of 1976.
As A South African, I am in tears
bmandela27 April 2022
I was born smack when Nelson Mandela became President of our great nation. History reminds me how much we had to suffer as black people to regain our freedom in our homeland. This movie is a stark reminder that the war against apertheid was not an easy one. Viva Nelson Mandela, Tata Madiba!!! Great cinematography and fantastic acting!!
Every revolution creates its own mythology
tmcbrid6 August 2022
If you didn't know this story was based on actual events, you'd likely say it was pretty well done...and that would be true. If you were aware of the actual events upon which this film was based, you might be justifiably outraged that it distorts history...but that doesn't mean the film is poorly written, directed, and acted. And this film is in every respect, well done.
I'm not South African but know enough history to realize this a highly fictional story. But, it does try to reflect that reality of the day...whites who were sympathetic to the freedom movement, whites who were irredeemably racist, blacks who were informers and collaborators, blacks who resisted violent revolution, those of mixed race who struggled for acceptance, decent whites who still worked for the apartheid regime...it's all here. For that I recommend the film...it's a film with an important story to tell. It's just not real history.
I'm not South African but know enough history to realize this a highly fictional story. But, it does try to reflect that reality of the day...whites who were sympathetic to the freedom movement, whites who were irredeemably racist, blacks who were informers and collaborators, blacks who resisted violent revolution, those of mixed race who struggled for acceptance, decent whites who still worked for the apartheid regime...it's all here. For that I recommend the film...it's a film with an important story to tell. It's just not real history.
Pure fiction.
morganka-8083427 April 2022
Pure fiction. And what a joke... Mandla you should know better! 27 years and we still trying to heal as a country. Why would you release this. Honestly people that wanna make money off other peoples suffering are the monsters.
I'd give it a 10 had they told the true story
info-907016 August 2023
It is a travesty to take a real historical event, and bastardize it so much with Hollywood drama that it is unrecognizable as the event that a actually occurred. That is what happens in this film according to the history I've read. It is too much off the mark to get a 10 out of me.
That said, if it had not been based on a true story, it was very good, well done and well acted. It was also well directed and the music when used was appropriate.
However, from what I've read, too much of what they put in the movie never happened, and it had enough drama on its own for them not to have ruined it with lies. What a shame. Now future generations will believe a lot of inaccurate information, like the ending of the film Glory.
That said, if it had not been based on a true story, it was very good, well done and well acted. It was also well directed and the music when used was appropriate.
However, from what I've read, too much of what they put in the movie never happened, and it had enough drama on its own for them not to have ruined it with lies. What a shame. Now future generations will believe a lot of inaccurate information, like the ending of the film Glory.
Vintage Heist Film Done With Style And Action
t-d-t-m8220 May 2022
Lots of solid action shots. Really nice audio. Lovely tracking shots. Lovely close-ups of actors and vehicles. Descent storyline which is believable but also probably a bit glorified for the cinematic experience. A solid heist movie with an important message. It really does force one to understand how much violence and oppression the Zulu-speaking indigenous non-Dutch South Africans experienced. Not to mention everyday casual racism. Mandella is a hero. It showcases the freedom-fighters' campaign-for-change and the story is executed well.
The big problem is it's 2022 and there's far too many heist movies. I do like the angle on this one. I especially love that Fela Kuti's 'Zombie' is played at an appropriate moment. I was disappointed that a lack of South African jazz was included on the exceptional soundtrack. Kuti really understood freedom for the oppressed and the working class! So an appropriate choice.
I really liked the acting. It was real and emotive. The American was a great choice. Lots of 'black power' era symbols there! It's just in an overwhelming sea of heist movies this movie genre is now very tired. The Director did a fantastic job and I hope that he can showcase his talents in genres less overwhelming. Maybe something on the amazing South African jazz scene? A solid movie.
The big problem is it's 2022 and there's far too many heist movies. I do like the angle on this one. I especially love that Fela Kuti's 'Zombie' is played at an appropriate moment. I was disappointed that a lack of South African jazz was included on the exceptional soundtrack. Kuti really understood freedom for the oppressed and the working class! So an appropriate choice.
I really liked the acting. It was real and emotive. The American was a great choice. Lots of 'black power' era symbols there! It's just in an overwhelming sea of heist movies this movie genre is now very tired. The Director did a fantastic job and I hope that he can showcase his talents in genres less overwhelming. Maybe something on the amazing South African jazz scene? A solid movie.
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