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John Hartl

Seattle Times

The script tends to build its narrative on philosophical and religious arguments, but they're often riveting and articulate, especially in courtroom scenes that take the film beyond the expected limitations of action scenes.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 20, 2017

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Jamal Grootboom

Independent Online (South Africa)

Overall, Kalushi is an OK addition to the South African struggle film genre. However, if this important story had been in the hands of a more experienced filmmaker it could have been one of the best films of the year.

Rated: 2.5/5

Mar 10, 2017

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j F

I didn't know the background of this case but nevertheless it was a moving film. The acting from some of the characters was a little wooden, but as the story of a martyr for freedom in S Africa, it's hard to make many complaints.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/24

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georgan g

A sad tale of South African racism.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

All films about South Africa's past are essential and are to be always treasured. All movies about the struggle against Apartheid regime are even more crucial to our understanding of the history. We would do well to sensitise ourselves to remember the sacrifices of the fallen comrades who gave up everything so we can be free today. I have read several reviews - there are sadly not many on this film. And even fewer catch the spirit of the movie. The cinematic aspects of the film that gets in the way of the story can be isolated to the technical which in this case is irrelevant, no one goes to watch Kalushi for its audio-visual acumen. Kalushi is a faithful adaptation of the first MK (Umkhonto Wesizwe) cadre who was executed by the Apartheid government. While there were many executions in those years, Solomon Mahlangu's execution by hanging was of tactical importance to the Apartheid government in that he represented to them an unprecedented level of "terrorism" that was never heard of before. This highlighted for the national party the need to send the most potent message that the White government is entirely in charge and any form of rebellion would not survive. The weapons they were found to be carrying sent shivers down the apartheid government. Thabo Rametsi gives us a charming portrayal of Solomon Mahlangu, his performance especially when dealing with the weight of leaving his family is the most memorable and moving. He kept a smile ready on his face as a gift to his family to remember a happy freedom fighter and not a victim. The film is able to use the outcome of his still grieving mother even after the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) to show us her unrelenting grief. Phineus (Wandile Molebatsi) is brilliant and has two of the funniest lines in the movie. He represents the majority of us who were oblivious and failed to act in the struggle against White Minority rule. Pearl Thusi managed to fit in well with her role as a school going girl, she is convincing, and she helps us understand both those who were passive and active in the struggle, she was both in the movie. The director (Dube) gave a fantastic retelling of the June 16 Soweto uprising by superimposing scenes with the story in visual effects without redoing the whole sequence. The story seemed to be very faithful in showing us that while in exile. The MK veterans were in "camp mode" and not embedded in the society of the foreign lands they went to. This has been the conversation recently during the Xenophobic attacks when politicians mentioned that we must be hospitable to our neighbours as they played a role in the armed struggle. This film seems to suggest that the role they played was insufficient. Even though it was limited, the movie does show that it was enough for the task at hand. Another dimension captured by the film is the vast number of people involved in the struggle, Indians, Whites, Coloureds are shown to have played a role, even more, townships are now included. Soweto seems to be portrayed as the only township that produced a fight against Apartheid, but this film shows that the struggle was a lot bigger than Soweto. I salute the filmmakers for this. Dube is somewhat of a visual poet - when the trial of Solomon Mahlangu was reaching its conclusion. He panned his camera across the high walls of the vestibule of the courthouse - showing its majesty and real character. Then showing a tiny Mahlangu saying he is first of many - This was a David and Goliath motif and showed the strength of the ruling party and the weakness of the struggle. My biggest problem with the film is not that big at all. The Coca-cola character was weak and living outside the margins of safety, and love. But did they have to cover his face with all that soot? It showed in his scalp under his hair too. Those ragged clothes were just too much. I found his characterisation poorly conceived. Yes, he was poor, but it was still to be done with some dignity. This note was good to conclude on. The movie is an entertaining and educational. It is a movie many of us need especially today - to look at the sacrifices made and to reflect how will those who died will look at us today in our communities. We need to make their sacrifices yield more good for us. The economic struggle rages on.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

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Mandla Dube

Director

Mandla Dube

Director

Thabo Rametsi

Solomon

Thabo Malema

Mondy

Welile Nzuza

Tommy London

Jafta Mamabolo

Lucky

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Synopsis

In 1976 Solomon Mahlangu, a 19-year-old street hawker, is beaten by the police during uprisings. After living in exile, he joins the liberation movement and becomes an international icon of South Africa's liberation.

Director: Mandla Dube, Mandla Dube
Screenwriter: Mandla Dube, Leon Otto, Mandla Dube
Genre: Biography, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 29, 2019
Runtime: 1h 50m

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