Welcome to the siege
Sometimes a chapter in human history gets so lost in the annals of time, that we and take notice of that event only when it gets documented into a movie.
Silverton siege is one such incident in the history of South African apartheid regime, that is believed to have led to far greater ramifications than intended.
Directed by Mandla Dube, Silverton siege is the story of an infrastructure sabotage mission gone wrong. It forces the three MK cadre operatives to take refuge in a bank, thereby creating a hostage crisis.
What follows is a negotiation drama with a sympathetic police officer attempting to resolve the crisis peacefully. The three freedom fighters on the other hand use their leverage to demand the release of their leader Nelson Mandela.
Master Storytelling
The direction of the movie is very taut. From start of the movie one can feel the air of suffocation felt by the freedom fighters. The subsequent chase sequence is short but crisp.
But the real movie begins with the advent of hostage crisis. Through use of dialogues, and person to person interaction, the director succeeds in sending home the message of freedom, peace and equality. All the lead characters have been etched very beautifully. As the story progresses, as an audience you will start feeling the pain and agony of black Africans natives.
Thabo Rametsi is a star
The direction has been completed by some strong performances especially by the three actors portraying the freedom fighters. Arnold Vosloo (Imhotep from The Mummy franchise) as Captain Johan Langerman once again delivers a layered performance.
The real star of the movie though is Thabo Rametsi as Calvin Khumalo. In him you see a range of emotions ranging from raw anger to sheer helplessness. He is the pivot around which the whole movie revolves.
Do not skip it
Silverton siege is a fantastic movie that navigates through the cliche tropes of hostage negotiation drama to deliver a lesson for all the viewers. In the world where world cinema is easily accessible via OTT, this is one movie you must not skip.
