X
- 2006
- PG-13
- Focus Features
- 1 h 41 m
- 2006
- PG-13
- Focus Features
- 1 h 41 m
Summary Powerfully 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
Where to Watch
Summary Powerfully 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
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 32 Critic Reviews
62
69% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
31% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 32 Critic Reviews
62
69% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
31% Mixed
10 Reviews
10 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 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.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 13 User Ratings
6.3
54% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
31% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
15% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 13 User Ratings
6.3
54% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
31% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
15% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company
Focus Features,
StudioCanal,
Working Title Films,
Mirage Enterprises
Release Date Oct 27, 2006
Duration 1 h 41 m
Rating PG-13
Tagline The spark that ignites us, unites us.
Website
http://www.catchafiremovie.com/
Awards
South African Film and Television Awards
• 1 Win & 8 Nominations
National Board of Review, USA
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Black Reel Awards
• 1 Nomination
