Nommer 37

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.

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.

Especially if you are watching this in Germany and or another country that puts the comparison or likelihood in the title. Rear Window or Fenster zum Hof = Window to the yard is the Hitchock movie I'm talking about. So this movie is called "Fenster zum Tod" = Window to Death ... and if you watch this, it is not far fetched. There are simillarities to say the least.

But while we have someone watching someone else through their window, this is not as tense as the Original was. If you compare those two, you most likely will not like this newer altered version of it. Unless you are into action and characters doing things as wrong/stupid as possible to create even more tension ... still overall you can enjoy this for what it is ...

Saw this at Sydney Film Festival 2018, hosted by Nosipho. Fantastic interpretation of original concept. The subtitles proved useful for conveying the original lamguage wit. Dialogue and scenes well integrated into modern South Africa, but with a global appeal. I though Randall did a fantastic acting job, and the other sub characters had meaning. I may be biased by previously living in the Cape, but even my global friends understood the messages and screen play. My only critique was that the police woman's capitulation to corruption could have been further played out, but this is minor and does not distract from the main plot.