Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema - A South African Crime Film with a Powerful Message
If you are looking for a gripping and realistic crime film that explores the complex realities of post-apartheid South Africa, you might want to check out Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema. This 2008 film, written and directed by Ralph Ziman, is based on a true story of a young man who rises from a petty criminal to a powerful real estate mogul in Johannesburg, but faces challenges from the law, the drug lords, and his own conscience. In this article, we will give you an overview of the film's plot, characters, message, reception, and availability.
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What is the film about?
The plot summary
The film begins with Lucky Kunene (played by Rapulana Seiphemo) lying on a bed, covered in blood. Police officers barge into his room and arrest him for murder charges. The film cuts to the interrogation room, where Kunene says he will provide his full back-story. The rest of the film tells Kunene's life story leading up to his arrest.
The story begins with Kunene and his friend Zakes (played by Jeffrey Zekele) as teenagers living in the Soweto Township. Lucky learns he has not earned a scholarship to continue his education. In need of money, Kunene and Zakes meet a local crime lord, Nazareth (played by Robert Hobbs), who was formerly a Russian-trained guerrilla. Nazareth sets up Lucky and Zakes with several small-time robberies. These crimes escalate to large-scale car-jackings, prompting Lucky to give up his educational aspirations. Lucky's final robbery goes horribly wrong, leaving Nazareth imprisoned and much of his crew dead. Lucky and Zakes narrowly escape. They decide to lay low and move to Johannesburg.
At this point, the film skips ahead ten years. Lucky and his friend now run a taxi business in the Hillbrow section of Johannesburg. They lose their business after Lucky himself is carjacked. Frustrated with his living conditions and inability to obtain economic mobility, Lucky creates the "Hillbrow Peoples Housing Trust". The trust allows Kunene to build an empire of apartment buildings in Hillbrow. He promises residents half price on their rent. Kunene collects all the residents's rent, then negotiates aggressively with landlords so that they accept the reduced rent. Kunene becomes a Robin Hood figure, gaining the title "The Hoodlum of Hillbrow".
As Kunene builds his empire of residential buildings, Detective Blakkie Swart (played by Daniel Buckland) builds a case against Kunene. Kunene next meets a white South African woman, Leah Friedlander (played by Shelley Meskin). He helps rescue her brother, a drug addict, from drug dealers. After their encounter, Kunene begins a relationship with her. Kunene and Leah buy a house in the suburbs and move in together.
Kunene's success is marred throughout the second half of the film by a drug dealer named Tony Ngu (played by Mzwandile Ngubeni). Kunene wants Ngu to leave so that he can build his empire without interference from drug lords. Ngu refuses and declares war on Kunene. Ngu attacks Kunene's buildings, kills some of his associates, and kidnaps Leah. Kunene retaliates by raiding Ngu's drug lab and killing some of his men.The film reaches its climax when Kunene and Ngu have a final showdown at a hotel. Kunene manages to rescue Leah and kill Ngu, but not before Ngu shoots Kunene in the chest. Kunene escapes with Leah and drives to a hospital. On the way, he is stopped by Swart and his partner, who arrest him for the murder of Ngu. The film ends with Kunene being taken away in an ambulance, while Leah watches in tears.
What is the film's message?
The social and political context of post-apartheid South Africa
The film is set in the aftermath of the end of apartheid, the system of racial segregation and oppression that lasted from 1948 to 1994 in South Africa. The film depicts the challenges and opportunities that faced the black majority population after gaining political freedom, but still facing economic inequality, social injustice, and violence. The film shows how the legacy of apartheid affected the lives of ordinary people, especially those living in the urban slums and townships. The film also portrays the diversity and complexity of South African society, with its different ethnic groups, languages, cultures, and religions.
The themes of crime, corruption, and survival
The film explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from living in a society where crime and corruption are rampant, and where survival is often a matter of life and death. The film questions the boundaries between right and wrong, justice and injustice, law and order, and good and evil. The film shows how some people resort to crime as a way of escaping poverty, oppression, and hopelessness, while others use crime as a way of exploiting, dominating, and controlling others. The film also shows how some people try to resist or reform the system, while others accept or adapt to it.
The moral dilemmas and choices of the protagonist
The film focuses on the character development of Lucky Kunene, who goes from being a naive and ambitious teenager to a ruthless and powerful gangster. The film examines his motivations, actions, and consequences throughout his journey. The film asks whether Kunene is a hero or a villain, a victim or a perpetrator, a rebel or a conformist. The film challenges the audience to empathize with Kunene's struggles, but also to criticize his choices. The film ultimately leaves it to the viewers to decide whether Kunene deserves sympathy or condemnation.
How was the film received?
The critical acclaim and awards
The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its realism, authenticity, originality, and relevance. The film was also lauded for its cinematography, editing, music, and performances. The film won several awards at various international film festivals, such as the Audience Award at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles, the Best Film Award at the Durban International Film Festival, and the Best Director Award at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. The film was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009, but did not make it to the final shortlist. The box office performance and audience reaction
The film was a commercial success in South Africa, where it grossed over R10 million (about $1.4 million) and became the highest-grossing South African film of 2008. The film also performed well in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, where it earned over $2 million in total. The film attracted a large and diverse audience, who appreciated its realism, entertainment value, and social relevance. The film also sparked debates and discussions among viewers, who had different opinions and perspectives on the film's message and implications.
The controversy and censorship issues
The film also faced some controversy and censorship issues in some countries, where it was banned or restricted for its violent and explicit content. The film was banned in Zimbabwe, where the authorities claimed that it promoted crime and violence. The film was also banned in Nigeria, where the censors objected to its portrayal of Nigerians as drug dealers and criminals. The film was also given an 18 rating in South Africa, which limited its access to younger audiences. The film's director, Ralph Ziman, defended his artistic freedom and vision, and argued that the film was not glorifying or condoning crime, but rather exposing and criticizing it.
How can you watch the film?
The availability on Netflix and other streaming platforms
If you are interested in watching the film, you have several options to choose from. One of the easiest and most convenient ways is to stream it online on Netflix, where it is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. You can also find the film on other streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, and Vudu. You can rent or buy the film digitally for a reasonable price.
The soundtrack and lyrics of the film
Another aspect of the film that you might enjoy is its soundtrack and lyrics. The film features a variety of songs from different genres and languages, such as hip hop, reggae, kwaito, afrobeat, and gospel. The songs reflect the mood, tone, and theme of the film, as well as the culture and identity of the characters. Some of the songs are original compositions for the film, while others are popular hits from South African artists. The title song of the film is "Gangster's Paradise" by Coolio featuring L.V., which is a rap song that samples "Pastime Paradise" by Stevie Wonder. The song tells the story of a gangster who regrets his life choices and warns others not to follow his path. The song was a global hit in 1995 and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance.
The trailer and clips of the film
If you want to get a glimpse of what the film is like before watching it, you can watch the trailer and clips of the film online. The trailer gives you an overview of the plot, characters, setting, and style of the film. It also showcases some of the most memorable scenes and dialogues from the film. You can find the trailer on YouTube or on the official website of the film. You can also watch some clips from the film on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms. These clips give you a taste of the action, drama, humor, and emotion that the film offers.
Conclusion
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a South African crime film that tells a compelling and realistic story of a young man who rises from poverty to power in Johannesburg's underworld. The film explores the social and political issues that affect post-apartheid South Africa, as well as the moral and ethical dilemmas that face its people. The film is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful work of art that entertains and educates its viewers. If you are looking for a powerful and engaging crime film that will make you think and feel, you should definitely watch Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema:
Is Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema based on a true story?
Yes, Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is based on a true story of a real-life gangster named Lucky Kunene (not his real name), who operated in Hillbrow in Johannesburg in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The director of the film met Kunene while researching for another project and decided to make a film about his life.
What does Jerusalema mean?
Jerusalema Jerusalema is a Zulu word that means "Jerusalem", the holy city in the Middle East. The word is also the title of a popular gospel song by South African singer Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode. The song is about asking God for protection and guidance in times of trouble. The song became a viral hit in 2020, especially after people around the world started to participate in the #JerusalemaChallenge, a dance challenge that involves performing a choreographed routine to the song.
Who is Ralph Ziman?
Ralph Ziman is a South African-born filmmaker, writer, producer, and artist. He is best known for directing Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema, as well as other films such as Hearts and Minds, The Zookeeper, and Kite. He is also known for his art projects that address social and political issues, such as Ghosts, a series of photographs and sculptures that depict the arms trade in Africa.
What are some other South African films that are similar to Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema?
Some other South African films that are similar to Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema in terms of genre, theme, or style are Tsotsi (2005), District 9 (2009), iNumber Number (2013), Four Corners (2013), and Moffie (2019).
What are some other films that are similar to Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema?
Some other films that are similar to Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema in terms of genre, theme, or style are City of God (2002), Scarface (1983), Goodfellas (1990), Slumdog Millionaire (2008), and American Gangster (2007).
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