Gangster movies around the world have already carved a special territory in the world of movies for the past six decades. Hollywood movies featuring gangs from New York and LA, the cartels of Colombia, Mexico and Rio de Janeiro are world famous. The movies on Italian & Russian mafia, Chinese Triads and Japanese Yakuza are world famous. Almost every country in the world has some decent offerings on the gangster space in its movie industry. Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a wonderful addition to the long running list on Gangster "Genre" movies. Thanks to the director Ralph Ziman work here, the world gets a peek at the South African gangster scene.
In comparison to the world's best gangster movies, Jerusalema does falter a bit, but the movie provides some great insights in understanding the type & style of crime in South Africa. The movie, based on some true events has the necessary bite in keeping the viewer interested with its screenplay. A semi documentary styled cinematography is a mixed bag having some good and bad bits mixed together. Editing is supportive in the storytelling and the 117 minute runtime does fatigue the viewer much as the plot is pretty well edited. Production design, costumes and makeup are par. Music and background score was ok too. Stunt scenes involving guns weren't bad at all for a movie coming out of South Africa. Though the actors have tried pretty hard, there weren't performances that I would call great.
Overall, though not in the same league as Totsi, Jerusalema is good enough to have a look in. If you like movies of the gangster genre, this movie is definitely worth a try and it will not disappoint you. The movie has a stereotyped rags to riches story but will keep you interested with some cool elements throughout. The cast & crew have definitely put in a genuine effort to garner 6.8 stars out of 10 in my books.
In comparison to the world's best gangster movies, Jerusalema does falter a bit, but the movie provides some great insights in understanding the type & style of crime in South Africa. The movie, based on some true events has the necessary bite in keeping the viewer interested with its screenplay. A semi documentary styled cinematography is a mixed bag having some good and bad bits mixed together. Editing is supportive in the storytelling and the 117 minute runtime does fatigue the viewer much as the plot is pretty well edited. Production design, costumes and makeup are par. Music and background score was ok too. Stunt scenes involving guns weren't bad at all for a movie coming out of South Africa. Though the actors have tried pretty hard, there weren't performances that I would call great.
Overall, though not in the same league as Totsi, Jerusalema is good enough to have a look in. If you like movies of the gangster genre, this movie is definitely worth a try and it will not disappoint you. The movie has a stereotyped rags to riches story but will keep you interested with some cool elements throughout. The cast & crew have definitely put in a genuine effort to garner 6.8 stars out of 10 in my books.