Catch a Fire (2006)

The meaning of polarization

An autobiographical story of a man who was relatively happy
and comfortable in apartheid South Africa and was polarized into a freedom fighter by his treatment by the white police forces and that of his family and friends. On man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter?
Life goes on today in South Africa and white people still live there and have rights as citizens. Had the government bent to the demands,
and treated blacks anywhere near fairly, there would have been no struggle in the first place.Human rights can't thrive in a place where prejudice and discrimination dominate. June 7, 2008

"SOME GAVE ALL, ALL GAVE SOME, NO ONE GAVE NOTHING"

This movie gives an inside view of the life of Patrick Charmusso, a South African man, who only wanted a better life for his family and his country. Patrick Charmusso, portrayed by Derek Luke, is a peaceful man, working at a refinery, trying to overcome the struggle of the South African. This one man, Tim Robbins, is at the root of all the problems that develop for Patrick and his country. He is the controller, the one who speaks and others jump, and he makes Patrick's life into a living hell, for Patrick and his family. Precious, Patrick's wife, portrayed by Bonnie Henna, is determined to stand by her man, and she is violently abused, as is Patrick, for their determination for a better life. Their is a loyalty between the two of them that sticks. Patrick later leaves his family, joins the freedom fighters, and takes a stand against those who are corrupt. However, it is not without a price to pay. The freedom fighters unite against the corrupt, and make their stand. This will take Patrick into a completely different direction that he does not expect, but in the end of his struggle, it has its own reward for everything he and his family and other South Africans suffered.
I especially enjoyed the part at the end, where the REAL Patrick Charmusso meets Derek Luke, and there is a warmness shared between them. Also, the REAL Patrick Charmusso deserves kudos for that which he has accomplished, in spite of all that he and his fellow countrymen have endured. You will see what I mean at the movies end.
April 25, 2008

Where is the soundtrack ?

I loved this film . Although it was lesser known than Last King Of Scotland or Blood Diamond I found the story to be a little more balanced . I love Derek Luke and Tim Robbins . I really liked the soundtrack and can not find it .
Does it exist ? February 21, 2008

Catch a Fire

I teach a Catholic Social Justice Course and purchased the video to enable students in their independent study to better understand some of the issues presented in the film. I think it was very helpful and would recommend the film to anyone who might want to approach some of these issues with young people. That is where we need to start in helping to build peace in our world. June 27, 2007

well done

above average "based on fact" film. The actors work hard to carve out their personalities, and it sticks with you. What would you do? April 24, 2007

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