Derek Luke makes a deep impression in the role of Patrick Chamusso, who joins the resistance despite its dangers after shunning involvement. The catalyst is his being accused of something he did not do and receiving humiliating treatment. There are tough scenes, with Tim Robbins menacingly effective as Nic Vos, a security officer whose job it is to root out the resisters and use whatever methods he deems necessary to do so.

The intense drama, directed by Phillip Noyce, is made more interesting by Robbins’ portrayal of the officer being dimensional, an approach that also stems from the astute screenplay by Shawn Slovo. Although a villain, the police officer is mindful of the changes that may be coming even while using despicable tactics as his job.

The film in general has a very human face. For example, Bonnie Henna gives a touching performance as Precious, Chamusso’s wife, who is a vulnerable target for Vos. As the stakes escalate, the film doesn’t flinch from portraying the brutality that existed under apartheid and it honors the heroism of those who summoned the courage to fight and in many cases die for freedom. It is significant that Shawn Slovo is the author of the script. She is a daughter of Joe Slovo, portrayed by Malcolm Purkey, who was a resistance hero. Shawn’s mother, Ruth First, was assassinated by means of a letter bomb. Shawn’s sister Robyn Slovo is a co-producer of the film and also is seen as her mother.

The scenes of torture naturally make us think of the controversy over torture today and illegal detention of suspects. Another issue of relevance is the film’s provoking the questioning of who should be called a terrorist and who is a resistance fighter. An issue important to South Africa, and perhaps elsewhere, is the extent to which there must be forgiveness in order to move forward.

“Catch a Fire” doesn’t provide time to catch one’s breath. Noyce builds the action to the climactic battles, and then provides a kicker at the end. We meet the real Patrick Chamusso and see him and Luke together. This cements the idea that we have been watching what at times carries the realism of a documentary even though it is a feature drama.