Film Movement Classics

Mapantsula

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This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Dylan Haley) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.

Founded in 2002 as one of the first-ever subscription film services with its DVD-of-the-Month Film Club, Film Movement is now a North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films based in New York City. In 2015, Film Movement launched the reissue label Film Movement Classics featuring new restorations released theatrically as well as on home video, with an emphasis on films by auteur directors such as Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway and Takeshi Kitano.

During demonstrations in apartheid-era South Africa, the police arrest Panic (Thomas Mogotlane), a “mapantsula” or petty gangster, while rounding up activists. His interrogation reveals the motivation for his involvement in the township riots. Once only concerned with partying, alcohol and his own interests, Panic finds himself being irreversibly pulled into the fray. Now, he is forced to choose between his personal freedom and taking a stand in the fight against the oppressive apartheid government.

Directed by Oliver Schmitz and written by Schmitz and lead actor Thomas Mogotlane, MAPANTSULA has been hailed as the “first South African film to truly represent apartheid onscreen” (Okayafrica). Banned in its homeland and made while evading the local authorities, the film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and went on to be selected as the South African entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. Widely considered one of the most influential African motion pictures of all time, MAPANTSULA has been newly restored in 4K from the original 35MM negative.

directed by: Oliver Schmitz
starring: Thomas Mogotlane, Marcel van Heerden, Thembi Mtshali-Jones, Dolly Rathebe
1988 / 104 min / 1.85:1 / English/Zulu/Afrikaans DTS-HD MA 5.1, 2.0

Additional info:

Region A Blu-ray
Commentary by director Oliver Schmitz
Archival interviews with cast and crew
English subtitles

Overall rating: 4.529412 / 5 from 17 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

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Review topics: ["film","soundtrack","story","release","climate","movie","features","shame"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Shouting Will Never Stop Our Struggle

"Mapantsula is easily as important today as when it was made. The film starts with the words. . . It's a miracle this film was made. Considering the political climate of apartheid era South Africa, it was an incredibly dangerous act of resilience. It was banned upon its release. The Blu-ray looks and sounds fine. The score and soundtrack are well done, however, there is a scene where jailed men are singing, their harmonies filling the room and hall while they dance, which really stood out to me. There are some excellent special features, a nice booklet, and the slipcover is very nice. 10/10"

— Ben. Z. (5/5)

Entertaining Slice of History

"This movie was very entertaining and I believe it did a very good job of portraying the apartheid movement and showing the struggle toward Civil Rights in South Africa. Of course I am not an expert on the subject, but as I was researching this movie online, the consensus seems to be that what is shown in the movie is very accurate. The story was engaging and well acted by an excellent cast. I enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to anyone interested in history (especially African history) or if you just want a very good drama."

— Christopher K. (5/5)

Great movie, love to see more African cinema on BD.

"Great restoration but could have done without the alterations to the credits and seemingly the sound mix. Some of it sticks out a good deal."

— Casey G. (4/5)

mapantsula

"Cool film from South Africa about the conditions of apartheid. Really awesome soundtrack as well."

— Jon B. (5/5)

Great release

"Good story and soundtrack, made about a very interesting subject, great selection of extras"

— Rohan J. (3/5)

80s African crime film

"Amazing to see South Africa represented!"

— Chris T. (5/5)

Never heard of this one.

"Never heard of this one. Can’t wait to dig into it."

— Alexander B. (5/5)

Searing

"Excellent drama deserving wider recognition. Superb edition"

— Jose C. (5/5)

Poor encoding, strong film and supplements

"This is another very poorly encoded Film Movement release with strong pixel blocking while watching the film. The film was restored in 4K but textures of this quality are not evident in motion due to the aforementioned encode. A real shame as the film and extras are very good!"

— Nicolas K. (3/5)

Powerful & Poignant

"Mapantsula is a powerful and gritty South African film that captures the tumultuous political climate during apartheid, focusing on a petty criminal who becomes involved in activism. The film’s compelling narrative, layered with themes of resistance and transformation, is elevated by strong performances and a vivid depiction of the struggle for justice."

— Shawn M. (4/5)