Catch A Fire

In 1980 Patrick Chamusso was a young, apolitical man when he was accused of carrying out an attack against the South African government. Following his arrest and torture for a crime he did not commit, he joined the African National Congress to become a freedom fighter for the cause. Catch A Fire, a political thriller based on Chamusso’s story, is a worthy picture that’s unworthy of its hero. By cross-cutting between Chamusso (the likeable Luke) and his evil white cop nemesis, director Phillip Noyce sets up a decently paced actioner that never quite comes off. The film touches on several issues that might distinguish it from similarly themed campaign movies of the ‘80s – ANC violence, good intentions in the pro-Apartheid camp, the peace and reconciliation process – but seems far too preoccupied with blaring contemporary parallels (terrorist or freedom fighter?) than these potentially fascinating avenues. Unwelcome potted histories, portentous shots and explanatory titles (“ANC Special Ops”) only add to the suspicion that Mr.Noyce thinks we’re a bunch of dopes. The effect is like reading that Millie Tant strip where she stomps about demanding the release of Nelson Mandela years after the fact.