Escape From Pretoria Movie Review

Francis Annan's historical thriller, which he also wrote and directed, explains how Stephen and Tim were able to defy all odds and break out of the Pretoria Central Prison. While their revolutionary actions contributed to altering the course of history, their prison break is what really made them famous. Stephen and Tim gained notoriety for their borderline brilliant hack as the first inmates to escape South Africa's most difficult prison.

Plot

This story's premise is rather straightforward. Tim, a prisoner at Pretoria Maximum Security Prison, assists a group of white inmates who are also with him in breaking out of the facility secretly. Everyone has known from the narrative's publication that these inmates will get out of jail because it is based on a true story.

Following this incident, the police sought to identify and apprehend the inmates who had escaped from custody. Years were spent conducting this search on both domestic and foreign soils. Despite all of that, it's still interesting to see the plot unfold.

Star Performance

With convincing South African accents, the performers all gave strong performances. The audience is won over by Daniel Radcliffe's portrayal of the dogged resistance to the apartheid rule in a man who struggles with panic attacks brought on by his risky escape plot. Additionally, it conveys the idea that everybody, not only superheroes, is capable of battling evil.

Analysis

Jenkin was sentenced to Pretoria Central Prison in 1978 along with co-conspirator Lee after being found guilty in Cape Town of creating and distributing leaflets for illegal groups such the ANC, the SACP, and Umkhonto we Sizwe. The security forces' thorough surveillance led to their capture and conviction.

Soon after their arrest, Jenkin came up with a scheme to break out of the jail using wooden keys he had made in the jail workshop. Denis Goldberg first joined in with the intention of fleeing as well, but he eventually withdrew and stayed on as an advisor. In order to successfully escape from the prison in December 1979, Jenkin unlocked nine doors while Goldberg diverted the warden. Jenkin, Lee, and fellow prisoner Alex Moumbaris were also involved in the escape. After the breakout, they made their way into Mozambique.

What’s There?

● Based on the true story of three political white anti-apartheid prisoners who planned their escape from a South African jail in the 1970s, this is a very interesting and enjoyable film.

● Amazing suspense is created by the cinematography, which also aids in illustrating the dynamics between guards and prisoners.

● A South African prison in the 1970s is accurately portrayed by the set and attire.

 ● The horrifying effects of apartheid on the nation, the cruel government, and the disgusting bigotry that was accepted at the time are depicted in this intriguing and significant story.

What’s Not There?

● It's unfortunate that Annan didn't spend more time researching the common folks who pulled off this incredible escape.

● Some features are horrifyingly subtle.

● We were unable to learn more about the fascinating people' backstories.

● The acting is good, but there are no stereotypically sadistic wardens or police.

Verdict

It belongs on the list of top prison break movies, and the fact that it is based on actual events further enhances it. A straightforward, plainly hilarious prison break movie without extended monologues or excessive acting. In addition to being a documentary on this well-known jailbreak, it serves as a sobering reminder of South Africa's abhorrent apartheid policies throughout history. Overall, this movie is outstanding, filled with suspense, attention-grabbing scenes, and incredible acting.