Otelo Burning (2012)
Average Rating: 5.8/10
Reviews Counted: 9
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 3
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: 6.4/10
Critic Reviews: 5
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 1
No consensus yet.
liked it
Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 70
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Movie Info
Defying the law, three Zulu boys escape their harsh township lives through the joy of surfing. Overcoming his traditional fear of the water, Otelo Buthelezi discovers a natural talent, finding freedom on the waves. But in the turmoil of a country on the cusp of change, he is dragged down into a spiral of jealousy and violence. As Nelson Mandela finally walks free, Otelo must choose between two worlds. Otelo Burning is based on real events. It is a moving drama of courage, love, betrayal and
Nov 30, 2012 Limited
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All Critics (9) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (3)
Somehow, mostly through the impassioned performances of its young actors, the film finds its footing in the third act ...
Top CriticA heavy-handed but forceful coming-of-age story set circa 1989, against the backdrop of the violent beginning of apartheid's end ...
This crisp, involving South African drama comes at you in waves, changing course and tone expertly.
This South African ditty is even framed as a scrapbook, mushily remembering childhood traumas and exaltations.
Ms. Blecher draws fine performances out of the young actors and, to her credit, sugarcoats nothing.
As buoyant as the waves its heroes surf on, Otelo Burning uses water as metaphor for freedom for its black South African teens in 1988.
The film grows increasingly tiresome the more it flirts with melodrama, unraveling themes of jealousy, regret, and ambition in broad strokes.
A movie in which there is nothing but its unsentimental look at the waning days of apartheid to make it seem unlike a dozen other inspirational sports movies.
A memorable story about kids who hold bigger dreams than what they are told and taught they could accomplish.
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