X
  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • Indigenous Film Distribution
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • Indigenous Film Distribution
  • 1 h 37 m
Otelo Burning

Summary The film tells the story of a group of township kids who discover the joy of surfing. It's set in 1989, against a backdrop of brewing conflict between two political groups in Lamontville. When 16-year-old Otelo Buthelezi takes to the water for the first time, it's clear that he was born to surf. But then tragedy strikes. On the day that ...

Directed By: Sara Blecher

Written By: James Whyle, Justine Loots, Sara Blecher

  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • Indigenous Film Distribution
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2012
  • Not Rated
  • Indigenous Film Distribution
  • 1 h 37 m

Otelo Burning

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
60
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary The film tells the story of a group of township kids who discover the joy of surfing. It's set in 1989, against a backdrop of brewing conflict between two political groups in Lamontville. When 16-year-old Otelo Buthelezi takes to the water for the first time, it's clear that he was born to surf. But then tragedy strikes. On the day that ...

Directed By: Sara Blecher

Written By: James Whyle, Justine Loots, Sara Blecher

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
60
43% Positive
3 Reviews
43% Mixed
3 Reviews
14% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 7 Critic Reviews
60
43% Positive
3 Reviews
43% Mixed
3 Reviews
14% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
Nov 26, 2012
Ms. Blecher draws fine performances out of the young actors and, to her credit, sugarcoats nothing.
By Neil Genzlinger FULL REVIEW
70
Dec 2, 2012
A cast of young actors is uniformly strong, as is Lance Gewer's photography.
By John DeFore FULL REVIEW
63
Nov 29, 2012
Somehow, mostly through the impassioned performances of its young actors, the film finds its footing in the third act, as the narration goes quiet and tragedy unfolds with precision, even elegance.
By Farran Smith Nehme FULL REVIEW
60
Nov 29, 2012
The film presents a stark choice: seek escape in vengeance and blame, or gamble on the freedom gained by embracing a new world, however scarred it may be.
FULL REVIEW
60
Nov 29, 2012
This crisp, involving South African drama comes at you in waves, changing course and tone expertly.
By Joe Neumaier FULL REVIEW
50
Nov 27, 2012
Tiresomely simple, the film introduces a subplot involving betrayal and political informants in the eleventh hour, but by then you're either smitten by these guileless Zulu lads experiencing "freedom" on the waves or you've checked out.
By Michael Atkinson FULL REVIEW
25
Nov 26, 2012
The film grows increasingly tiresome the more it flirts with melodrama, unraveling themes of jealousy, regret, and ambition in broad strokes.
By Glenn Heath Jr. FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Cinga Productions
Release Date Nov 30, 2012
Duration 1 h 37 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
Tagline A Nation on the Crest of Change
Website http://oteloburning.posterous.com/tag/real-stories
View All Details

Awards

African Movie Academy Awards
• 2 Wins & 12 Nominations
South African Film and Television Awards
• 7 Nominations
Baghdad International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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