As this South African drama opens four anti-apartheid activists are planning to attack a fuel depot in the outskirts of Pretoria... they don't realise that the police are expecting them. When they spot the police they try to escape. Following a chase one of them is killed and the three survivors, two men and a woman, flee into a bank. Once inside they take the staff and customers hostage. Outside the police, led by Captain Johan Langerman, surround the only way in or out of the building and wait to hear the hostage takers' demands. Tensions rise as it becomes clear that the only way the trio are going to leave the bank is in handcuffs or body bags.

I didn't know any details of the original events so while watching I wasn't bothered by how much it differed from reality. Watching this purely as a drama it proved to be gripping. The action starts early on and tension is maintained until the end. Many reviewers complain about the film being overly woke but it was less so than I'd expected; the police weren't all evil racists and the activists weren't perfect. The cast was impressive; most notably Thabo Rametsi as the group's leader Calvin Khumalo and Arnold Vosloo as Captain Langerman. The locations used are fairly limited but effective; the inside of the bank and the square outside... although anybody who has been to Pretoria will know this is smack bang in the middle of the city not in a suburb miles away! Having read a little about the actual events I'm not sure all the changes were necessary although I can understand why they were done as it added some drama. Overall I'd say this is worth watching if you like a good hostage drama; even if it isn't that accurate it might inspire viewers to read a little more about the events.

When I first saw the ratings of this movie - I was shocked to see why such a good movie has gotten bad ratings.

Why are the people upset ?

I instantly understood what could be the problem.

It was the fact that the movie is based on actual events.

Upon research, using materials published by the media. I found that the movie had presented a different story than that which actually took place.

But it is also often said that, history is written by victors.

I do not know of the actual events that transpired.

The movie is actually good, with some great acting by Thabo Rametsi and Arnold Vosloo.

Seeing that this movie is a touchy subject to some people because of the event and the groups involved, and the difference of opinion on what actually took place that day. It is unfortunate, that this movie will suffer because of the negative ratings that it will receive.

But at the same time, being an outsider. Seeing this movie unbiased, I understand both the sides.

The movie was doing was pretty good, but after I read what really happened, I was disappointed. They could have followed the actual events and the movie would have been even better.