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In 1980s South Africa, the apartheid regime ruled with an iron fist, enforcing strict segregation between the white minority and the black majority. Patrick Chamusso (Derek Luke) is a hard-working family man, who manages the Secunda oil refinery, one of the largest in the country. Although he is black, he has managed to rise through the ranks thanks to his skills and dedication. However, his comfortable life is shattered when he is accused of terrorism and arrested by the security police.

Colonel Nic Vos (Tim Robbins) is the head of the police unit tasked with cracking down on anti-government militants. He takes a personal interest in Chamusso's case, convinced that he is a member of the African National Congress (ANC), an organization fighting for the rights of black South Africans. Despite Chamusso's insistence of innocence, Vos uses brutal tactics to force him to confess to sabotage of the oil refinery.

As Chamusso faces torture, threats, and isolation, he gradually realizes the injustice of the apartheid system and the need for resistance. He begins to see his captors as human beings, struggling with their own demons and beliefs. He discovers the power of solidarity and the dangers of betrayal.

At the same time, Chamusso's wife, Precious (Bonnie Mbuli), also becomes involved in the struggle for freedom, joining the ANC and risking her life for the cause. She faces her own set of challenges, including the disapproval of her family and the danger of being arrested or killed.

As the tension mounts and the stakes become higher, Catch a Fire becomes a gripping thriller, revealing the complex dynamics of oppression and resistance. The film also explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice, as well as the human toll of political violence.

Derek Luke delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist, conveying convincingly the transformation from a passive observer to a passionate fighter. He portrays Chamusso as a man struggling to reconcile his personal and political beliefs, torn between his love for his family and his duty to his people.

Tim Robbins, on the other hand, portrays Vos as a man haunted by his past and his sense of duty. He adds depth to the character by showing the vulnerabilities and doubts lurking behind his tough façade. Robbins also does a good job of accentuating the supremacist mentality of the apartheid regime, without turning Vos into a caricature.

Bonnie Mbuli shines as Precious, the strong-willed wife determined to resist the oppression. She portrays her character with sensitivity and conviction, showing the sacrifices and risks involved in challenging the system. Mbuli's performance also underscores the importance of women's roles in the anti-apartheid struggle, often overlooked in historical narratives.

Director Phillip Noyce (The Quiet American, Rabbit-Proof Fence) does an excellent job of recreating the tense atmosphere of 1980s South Africa, using authentic locations, costumes, and music. He also weaves in archival footage of the time, adding to the authenticity of the film.

Catch a Fire is a poignant and powerful film that sheds light on a dark chapter in South African history. It humanizes the struggle for justice and equality, showing the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary people. It is a story of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure.

Catch a Fire is a 2006 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 62.