Das Fenster zum Tod

In this Afrikaans Rear Window Randall comes home in a wheelchair. His girl gives him binoculars so he can occupy himself while he's alone all day, cause she works. He spies on his neighbors and grumbles and tries to brew up a plan to get the loan shark off his back that he owes a ton of money to. One day he sees a murder, right across from his apartment. This flick is wonderfully paced and it has great suspense brewing all through our hero's bad ideas. I especially like the relationship between him and his lady-love. She loves him and has his back but he really has to grow up.

The first half fades slightly, but in the second half the film gains more of its tempo and tension. Toward the end we are rewarded with a cool end ... you can watch the movie.

The true tragedy that makes this film so powerful comes from the unfortunate truth that humans are inherently "greedy little piggies". Director/Writer Nosipho Dumisa powerfully embodies this flaw in each of her characters, and makes it highly individualized through a screenplay that relies more on character development than gore. The conflict of every role is crafted by powerful performances, particularly Monique Rockman, who plays her role of the abused girlfriend as seemingly regretful more than she is spiteful. Every instance of tension is capped-off by an unwarranted act of violence that draws sympathy from audiences. Dumisa makes it impossible to ignore the unfortunate circumstances that protagonists and antagonists alike are thrown into, which had such a strong impact that I found myself questioning my own morality as I exited the theater.

Something about suspense movies always catches my eye, and "Number 37" was nothing short of intense. South-African director Nosipho Dumisa knew how to really capture my attention in this fast-paced action thriller about a handicapped man, who, in trying to get money to pay off a debt to a loan shark, witnesses the murder of a cop and decides to blackmail the criminals. I won't give away too much, but the story moves quickly and keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat, even until the very last minute. One thing that truly stuck out to me was the phenomenal acting put forth by the two leading characters. Irshaad Ally, who plays the handicapped protagonist Randal, gives an emotional whirlwind of a performance that gives the audience full access to the mind of the character. Monique Rockman, who plays his girlfriend Pam, is able push past the stereotypical character of the loyal girlfriend of a criminal by presenting a strong and bold, yet loving presence on the screen. Each character works together to perfectly create a glimpse of humanity in this wild world of crime and pride. I highly suggest you check this one out!

The story is a stark crime story that plays on suspenseful thrusts of drama and intense characters. The cast give varied but strong performances. At times scenes feel forced against conflicting backdrops but inevitably that slight aspect seems as intentional as Hitchcock's "Rear Window". Dumisa shows a brilliance in this ability to mirror obvious influence of western filmmakers while never coming off as mimicry.

"Number 37" performs as a dark, off-quilter slow burner where action is concerned. There are moments when the suspense builds into actual thrills. However a lot of the violence and bloodshed acts more as aesthetic instead of pressure points in the film. Still enough thriller elements exist to really tease a Tarantino quality. Overall "Number 37" is a strong, contemporary crime thriller worth the watch.