MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Catch a Fire” a bright, burning movie
Set against the background of apartheid-era South Africa in the early 1980s, “Catch a Fire” is based on a true story filled with the ruthless consequences of racism.
These consequences come from all sides of the African terrain, and we are pushed to think about the strengths of revenge versus peace.
When is one more powerful than the other? And, more frighteningly, when are they on equal ground?
While this film may not be one you would describe as fun or exciting, “Catch a Fire” provides an important message that all of us can learn from.
When an act of terrorism befalls at a prolific oil refinery, the Caucasian, grey-suited police force, led by a frosty Tim Robbins (“War of the Worlds”), searches the nearby community to find their suspect.
Numerous African men are falsely accused, and one in particular (Derek Luke, “Antwone Fisher”) is imprisoned and interrogated for the act of terrorism we know he didn’t commit.
The interrogation is filled with beatings, torture and solitary confinement until the policemen are convinced their suspected attacker is innocent.
But once Luke returns to his family and back to his normal life, he realizes he cannot remain there while others wrongfully suffer under the dominating white government.
So in hope and desperation, he flees his family to secretly join an underground terrorist organization and attack the rigid regime of South Africa’s segregation.
This film causes your sympathies to shift from one human being to another as the lines dividing right and wrong are blurred and, more importantly, right and wrong are not designated by color.
By influencing your sympathies so well, “Catch a Fire” becomes a very emotional film. This is because of the riveting and unpredictable storyline, filmed in a realistic, unflinching way.
“Catch a Fire’s” emotional depth is also brought on by the performances of the main characters. Robbins proves to be effective as a calloused cop trying to accomplish his agenda, but it is Luke that provides the heart of this film.
As a man whose humility turns into merciless rage, he gives a memorable performance with admirable maturity and restraint. Bonnie Mbuli (“Drum”), who plays Luke’s wife, also gives a compelling performance that will leave you breathless.
Another element that makes “Catch a Fire” so beautiful and effective is that it doesn’t shove violence down your throat to make you wrap your mind around it.
So much of it is simply suggested, and these suggestions make you figure it out on your own.
Certain portions of the story seem disjointed and difficult to follow, and the conclusion tries to reach into our hearts too far, making it a little too sappy.
But the values of this film will strike a sensitive, human nerve inside everyone. And that’s why everyone should go see this film.
A reminder of where courage, or anger, can take you, “Catch a Fire” is ultimately a hopeful story of humanity’s resilience.
And while racism can create gripping darkness, we are reminded that somewhere there is light.
Casey T. Allen is the movie critic for the Utah Statesman. Questions,
comments and bags of overpriced popcorn can be sent to him at
caseyal@cc.usu.edu.