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Otelo Burning

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South Africa · 2011
1h 12m
Director Sara Blecher
Starring Jafta Mamabolo, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba, Tshepang Mohlomi
Genre Drama

Otelo Burning is set in 1989 against a backdrop of contentious conflict between two political groups in Lamontville. When 16-year-old Otelo Buthelezi takes to the water for the first time, it is clear that he was born to surf. But soon enough, tragedy stikes, and he must choose between surfing and caring for his family.

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What are critics saying?

60

NPR by

The film presents a stark choice: seek escape in vengeance and blame, or gamble on the freedom gained by embracing a new world, however scarred it may be.

63

New York Post by Farran Smith Nehme

Somehow, mostly through the impassioned performances of its young actors, the film finds its footing in the third act, as the narration goes quiet and tragedy unfolds with precision, even elegance.

25

Slant Magazine by Glenn Heath Jr.

The film grows increasingly tiresome the more it flirts with melodrama, unraveling themes of jealousy, regret, and ambition in broad strokes.

50

Village Voice by Michael Atkinson

Tiresomely simple, the film introduces a subplot involving betrayal and political informants in the eleventh hour, but by then you're either smitten by these guileless Zulu lads experiencing "freedom" on the waves or you've checked out.

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