Critic Reviews
53
Metascore
Mixed or Average
positive
2(25%)
mixed
5(63%)
negative
1(13%)
Showing 8 Critic Reviews
Jul 1, 2011
80
The results are startlingly original, if occasionally overambitious. This is "Tsotsi" without the feel-good glow, a tale of entrepreneurship's perils and boundless pleasures.
Jul 1, 2011
70
Between Mr. Ziman's music-video skills and his close approximation of the kinetic style of Michael Mann (a scene from Mr. Mann's "Heat" has a key role in the plot), it's easy to overlook the formulas and just enjoy the ride.
Jul 1, 2011
60
Documents the development of a crime lord from his beginnings in petty childhood activities. Fresh details enliven a conventional story arc. This absorbing view of urban decay has the potential to draw audiences beyond the arthouse.
Jul 1, 2011
60
The film is so busy rifling through genres that it fails to develop a coherent flavor of its own.
Jul 1, 2011
50
The opening credits of Gangster's Paradise note that it was "inspired by real events." It would be more accurate to say that the film was inspired by Brian De Palma's "Scarface" and similar fare.
Jul 1, 2011
50
There's minor amusement in the suggestion that entrepreneurial criminality begins with a preference for Donald Trump's "The Art of the Deal" over the Bible.
Jul 1, 2011
20
Has raw action and urgent performances, but loses power due to an amateur approach.
