Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema

Greetings from Lithuania. "Jerusalema" (2008) is a very solid crime / gangster picture with kinda unique setting, good acting, solid script and directing. I was really involved into this story which plays like many other gangster movies when we see one man's way trough hierarchy. Music was nice, as well as very good cinematography. While this picture isn't very original or fresh, it's is always nice to see a good movie, which "Jerusalema" definitely is. Overall, while this story isn't original, it is a very solid movie. At running time 1 h 50 min i was entertained and involved into the movie more then i thought i would. Recommended for everyone who likes good gangster movies.

This movie was extremely good . It developed many intertwined complex characters over many years. Early on the use of humour greatly improved the audiences appeal towards the main characters. It also seriously involved the political and social aspects of South Africa at the end of apartheid from diverse perspectives. These aspects were portrayed without placing blame but just told the story as the facts of life and circumstance. Many stereotypes where dismissed when they were used unsuccessfully to gain advantage by attempting to force others to be political correct. I would have rated this movie 9/10 except for the last 20 minutes which was complete garbage. Like any B grade Hollywood movie the last part of the movie was full of impossible shoot-outs and crime does pay themes. This seriously impacted in such a negative way I changed my rating to 6/10. The movie is definitely better seen without watching the last 15 - 20 minutes.

I don't think I can adequately put into words how enjoyable this movie was but I'll try because it's really worth your time and I want you to give it a try. This movie was a pleasant surprise. Within a few minutes of watching I realized I'd happened upon a gem. This movie is about Lucky Kunene, a smart young man who is so fun to watch as he figures out how to be a success in spite of being born in a dangerously stupid environment. I did not expect to enjoy watching a story that includes South African apartheid, but fortunately this movie entertains us with the characters story and doesn't weigh us down with the tragedy of racism and poverty.The main character Lucky is poor and smart and that's always an interesting mix. He is portrayed by actors who are so talented that we're spoiled as an audience. Jafta Mambolo is young Kunene and Rapulana Seiphemo plays the adult Lucky Kuene and they both are effortless. I really liked the way this movie moved quickly and yet spared nothing.I came away from this movie wanting to see more Soweto adventures because I knew there must be one,so I watched it twice.

If the goal is to mimic action thrillers from the US, this film does a satisfactory job. If it is to reflect the current situation in South Africa, I tend to doubt its authenticity: Lucky's activities on this massive scale seem implausible or impossible. If the makers of the film had wanted to make political statements they could just as well have had Lucky "rehabilitate" a couple of buildings, which is probably what actually happened "in real life." They chose instead to dramatize and enlarge the scope, simply for effect and to make the character grander and more heroic. That's fair, but the numerous anachronisms and "goofs" already elaborated by other cinephiles illustrate that the production while compelling was sloppy Without in any way trying to condescend, Hollywood could have done the action of this show better, but there is a lot of credit due the production, so it's a pity the production goes for visual and physical effect instead of character development and a convincing story line. The action is lively but episodic, I could swear I see the same apartment-building entrance posing several times as different buildings, and the acting is inconsistent. The "love affair" seems like an afterthought, perhaps to rattle the cage of white Afrikaners, and the flat- footed naming of the police bad guy "Swart" (Black) is just too obvious. It's worth seeing, not twice.

Lucky is a young black man in South Africa, who feels the oppression of apartheid. Once the apartheid ends, though... the life for blacks gets no easier. In his own form of affirmative action, he helps grow a large, powerful gang to get ahead. Is it right or wrong, and was it necessary? Ralph Ziman is a director from South Africa. While he started of in music video, once he came into his own, he told the tale of South Africa with a passion that no one else has yet matched. Recent films like "Invictus" or "District 9" try to capture the spirit, and in some ways do, but Ziman has it inside him and has the talent to let it out. I must say, there was an unfortunate naming choice with "Gangster's Paradise", and this gives it a cheaper feel. The original title, "Jerusalema", was more than adequate and gives the film a mature moniker that it richly deserves. I am not sure who felt American audiences couldn't handle the original title, but they have done the film a great disservice. We have seen our share of South Central Los Angeles gang movies. Here is a film that has parallels, but offers an interesting moral perspective on a racial, global issue. Can you empathize with a thieving thug? If you watch this film, you just might.