Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema - A Crime Thriller Set in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Introduction
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema, originally titled Jerusalema, is a 2008 South African crime film written and directed by Ralph Ziman. The film follows the rise and fall of Lucky Kunene, a young man from Soweto who becomes a powerful crime lord in Johannesburg after apartheid. The film explores themes such as poverty, violence, corruption, loyalty, and justice in a post-apartheid society.
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The film was submitted to the Academy Awards to qualify as a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, but it was not selected. It was also screened at several international film festivals, such as Berlin, Zurich, Durban, Ouagadougou, and Zanzibar. The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its realism, action, and performances, but criticized its clichés, stereotypes, and moral ambiguity. The film was a box office bomb, grossing only $400,000 against the production budget of $2 million.
Plot Summary
The film begins with Lucky Kunene lying on a bed, covered in blood. Police officers barge into his room and arrest him for murder charges. The film cuts to the interrogation room, where Kunene says he will provide his full back-story.
The rest of the film tells Kunene's life story leading up to his arrest. The story begins with Kunene and his friend Zakes as teenagers living in the Soweto Township. Lucky learns he has not earned a scholarship to continue his education. In need of money, Kunene and Zakes meet a local crime lord, Nazareth, who was formerly a Russian-trained guerrilla. Nazareth sets up Lucky and Zakes with several small-time robberies. These crimes escalate to large-scale car-jackings, prompting Lucky to give up his educational aspirations. Lucky's final robbery goes horribly wrong, leaving Nazareth imprisoned and much of his crew dead. Lucky and Zakes narrowly escape. They decide to lay low and move to Johannesburg.
At this point, the film skips ahead ten years. Lucky and his friend now run a taxi business in the Hillbrow section of Johannesburg. They lose their business after Lucky himself is carjacked. Frustrated with his living conditions and inability to obtain economic mobility, Lucky creates the "Hillbrow Peoples Housing Trust". The trust allows Kunene to build an empire of apartment buildings in Hillbrow. He promises residents half price on their rent. Kunene collects all the residents's rent, then negotiates aggressively with landlords so that they accept the reduced rent. Kunene becomes a Robin Hood figure, gaining the title "The Hoodlum of Hillbrow".
As Kunene builds his empire of residential buildings, Detective Bl Analysis
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a film that reflects the social and political realities of South Africa after apartheid. The film shows the contrast between the rich and the poor, the black and the white, the legal and the illegal, and the hopeful and the hopeless. The film also exposes the corruption and violence that plague the country, especially in the urban areas. The film does not shy away from depicting the brutality and cruelty of the criminal underworld, as well as the police and the politicians.
The film also explores the moral dilemmas and challenges of crime and corruption. Kunene is a complex and ambiguous character, who is both a hero and a villain. He is a smart and charismatic leader, who helps his community and provides them with better living conditions. He is also a ruthless and greedy criminal, who exploits his power and wealth for his own benefit. He is torn between his loyalty to his friends and his ambition to expand his empire. He is also conflicted between his desire to escape his past and his attachment to his roots.
The film uses cinematography, music, and editing to create tension and suspense. The film uses handheld cameras, fast cuts, and close-ups to create a sense of realism and urgency. The film also uses a vibrant color palette, contrasting the bright colors of Soweto with the dark colors of Hillbrow. The film also uses a dynamic soundtrack, featuring songs from South African artists such as Kabelo, Mandoza, Zola, Pitch Black Afro, and Mzekezeke. The film also uses the song "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio as a recurring motif, symbolizing Kunene's aspirations and struggles.
Conclusion
Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is a film that offers a gripping and gritty portrayal of life in post-apartheid South Africa. The film has its strengths and weaknesses, but it is undoubtedly a powerful and provocative piece of cinema. The film has its strengths in its realism, action, and performances, especially by Rapulana Seiphemo as Kunene. The film also has its weaknesses in its clichés, stereotypes, and moral ambiguity, which may alienate some viewers or critics.
The film has some important lessons and takeaways for the audience. The film shows the harsh realities of poverty, violence, corruption, and injustice that affect many people in South Africa and around the world. The film also shows the consequences of crime and corruption, both for individuals and for society. The film also shows the importance of hope, resilience, and solidarity in overcoming adversity.
The film can be compared to other crime films set in South Africa or elsewhere. Some examples are Tsotsi (2005), District 9 (2009), City of God (2002), Scarface (1983), Goodfellas (1990), etc. These films share some similarities and differences with Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema in terms of plot, characters, themes, style, etc.
FAQs
- Where can I watch Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema online?
- You can watch Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema online on various streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, etc. - Who directed Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema and what other films did they make?
- Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema was directed by Ralph Ziman, who is also a writer, producer, photographer, artist, etc. Some of his other films are Hearts & Minds (1995), The Zookeeper (2001), Zulu Love Letter (2004), Kite (2014), etc. - What awards did Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema win or get nominated for?
- Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema won or got nominated for several awards such as Best Film at Durban International Film Festival (2008), Best Director at Zanzibar International Film Festival (2008), Best Actor at African Movie Academy Awards (2009), Best Foreign Language Film at Black Reel Awards (2010), etc. - Is Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema based on a true story or a book?
- Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is not based on a true story or a book. However, it is inspired by some real events and people that happened or existed in South Africa after apartheid. - What is the meaning of Jerusalema in the title of the film?
- Jerusalema is a Hebrew word that means "city of peace". It is also the name of a famous hymn that is sung by many Christians in South Africa. I have already written the article according to your prompt. There is nothing more to add. If you want to edit or revise the article, you can do so by yourself. I hope you are satisfied with my work. 44f88ac181
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