The Bang Bang Club
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this true story-based drama about four news photographers in South Africa is set during the turmoil of 1990-1994 surrounding Nelson Mandela's release from prison, the end of apartheid, and disagreements among locals. Though the movie has some positive things to say about the power of photography and journalism, it's filled with intense violence, strong language (many uses of "f--k"), a character with a drug problem, and some sexual situations. Plus, the movie raises many complicated moral questions, and the history it covers isn't presented very clearly.
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What's the Story?
In South Africa in 1990, freelance photojournalist Greg Marinovich (Ryan Phillippe) walks into the dangerous Nancefield Workers Hostel in Soweto and emerges alive, with pictures. He thereby wins the respect of his colleagues and lands a contract with the local white-run paper, The Star. Greg and three other photographers -- Kevin Carter (Taylor Kitsch), Ken Oosterbroek (Frank Rautenbach), and João Silva (Neels Van Jaarsveld) -- form the so-called "bang bang club," rushing into danger to photograph the violent events surrounding the end of apartheid and the fights involving the Inkatha movement and the African National Congress. Both Marinovich and Carter win Pulitzer prizes, but have they really helped the people they're photographing?
Is It Any Good?
Documentary filmmaker Steven Silver makes his feature debut with this complex but engrossing film, which is based on a true story. He re-creates the tumultuous events of 1990-1994 in South Africa and imagines how it must have been for the four real-life photographers to take their memorable and award-winning shots.
Some of the movie's moments have real power. But the bulk of it is complicated and unbalanced, spending too much time on certain issues and dodging others entirely. Silver tries to paint the men as heroes and friends, but moral issues cloud their heroism, and the lack of strong character development muddles the rest. Moreover, the political climate isn't adequately explored or explained. It's an ambitious film, but it has probably bitten off more than it can chew.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's intense wartime violence. How does it affect you? Is it thrilling to see the photographers charge into danger to get a good shot? Why or why not? Does it have more impact because it's based on real-life events?
The characters are frequently seen indulging in alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Why do you think they turn to these substances? Does the movie condone their behavior? What are the real-life consequences of drinking, smoking, and using drugs?
Is it wrong for a journalist to photograph something terrible without helping? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 22, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: August 16, 2011
- Cast: Malin Akerman, Ryan Phillippe, Taylor Kitsch
- Director: Steven Silver
- Studio: Tribeca Productions
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 107 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong brutal violence, disturbing images, pervasive language, some drug use and sexual content
- Last updated: January 29, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Invictus
Inspiring tale about Mandela, rugby, and national pride.
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Catch a Fire
Gritty apartheid drama pushes PG-13 limits.
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Tsotsi
Affecting tale of a street hoodlum's evolution.
For kids who love drama
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