Tsotsi
Performance & Direction: Tsotsi Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Tsotsi (2005) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Tsotsi features a noteworthy lineup led by Presley Chweneyagae . Supported by the likes of Jerry Mofokeng and Terry Pheto , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Tsotsi
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2005, Tsotsi is a Crime, Drama film directed by Gavin Hood. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Presley Chweneyagae.
Ending Explained: Tsotsi
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gavin Hood, Tsotsi resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Presley Chweneyagae, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Tsotsi reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Tsotsi Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Tsotsi incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama film directed by Gavin Hood, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Presley Chweneyagae's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Tsotsi adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Tsotsi?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Presley Chweneyagae or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Tsotsi
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $9.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Tsotsi Budget
The estimated production budget for Tsotsi is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Tsotsi
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Tsotsi Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeTsotsi Parents Guide & Age Rating
2005 AdvisoryWondering about Tsotsi age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Tsotsi is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.0/10, and global performance metrics, Tsotsi is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2005 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tsotsi worth watching?
Tsotsi is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Tsotsi parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Tsotsi identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Tsotsi?
The total duration of Tsotsi is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
