When the African government finally released Nelson Mandela from prison and brought an end to Apartheid it ushered in a new era. As part of the healing process Africa's dark history of racism and violence was brought to light in the aftermath with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The basic idea was simple: you fully disclose all of the wrongs that you committed and poof you would granted amnesty. Naturally this didn't sit well with some, especially those on the receiving end of those wrongdoings. HBO's 2004 film, Red Dust takes a look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and one man's struggle to see that the real truth be brought to the people.

Directed by Tom Hooper, this movie tackles the big issue in a way that you wouldn't quite expect. Starring Hilary Swank as Attorney Sarah Barcant, it takes the atrocities to the courtroom and tries to unravel the mystery surrounding the truth of what happened to Alex Mpondo (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his friend Steve Sizela. It would seem that while Mpondo had survived the ordeal, Sizela did not. Naturally this doesn't sit well when the man Mpondo believes responsible, police officer Dirk Hendricks (Jamie Bartlett) steps forward and "admits" everything.

Mpondo's testimony against Hendricks is that he left out the details about what fate had befallen Sizela. The only problem for Barcant is the need to sort through her client's hazy recollections and build a case that will stop Hendricks' amnesty from going through. The difference between forgiveness and revenge in this film is a very thin line. The plot walks that line follows from start to finish and it never really teeters one way or the other. It's between the two that Red Dust finds its unique nature.

When I sat down to watch the film and realized that it was headed into the courtroom drama direction I have to admit that I rolled my eyes. How many movies of this type have we been subjected to over the years? How many TV shows? The results are always the same and typically you can guess what's going to happen before the gavel even crashes down. In Red Dust however, things are so different because of the very message this film is trying to convey.

The concept of forgiveness versus prosecution is one that seems difficult to wrap the mind around, especially considering the atrocities that took place in South Africa. Hendricks' character is the type that you truly come to loathe and while you really hope he gets his in the end Red Dust keeps you guessing. As the film progresses you'll also really start to feel a connection for Alex. Ejiofor's performance is nothing less than marvelous as Alex and it will really draw you into the picture. The way in which he handles the role really gives it weight and credibility. Subtle things throughout the plot also speak volumes at the torture Alex endured, and thanks to Ejiofor you really get a feeling of the pain.

Surprisingly Swank seemed somewhat restrained in her role as Sarah. It's hard to tell if it was the way she acted the character or the way the story was scripted, but there's just something about her that doesn't feel as dominant as Alex's character. Swank's African accent comes and goes during the picture, but it's nothing that takes away her credibility. Even the support characters turn in strong performances with a largely African cast.

Red Dust is a slower paced film that moves forward with purpose. At times the picture almost feels surreal with the atmosphere of forgiveness versus revenge and it's easy to see that Gillian Slovo's novel remained mostly intact. A powerful performance by Ejiofor and an acceptable turnout from Swank help add weight to this otherwise nameless film. Anyone with an interest in the happenings in South Africa or even if you're just looking for a good, deliberately paced courtroom drama, you'll definitely want to check this one out.

Originally produced in 2004 Red Dust is presented with a 16:9 anamorphic widescreen transfer. The image is virtually flawless with a crisp picture, vibrant colors, and very little grain to complain about. A slight amount of edge enhancement was noticeable at times and there were a few points with aliasing, but neither was distracting in the slightest. I have to give major kudos to the cinematography of Red Dust. The lands of Africa were captured flawlessly and artistically from beginning to end. Even something subtle like Alex standing in front of a pool with a sprawling mountain range behind him depicts the natural beauty of Africa.

With a 5.1 English surround sound language track Red Dust is surprisingly more subdued than you'd think. Granted the main drive in this film is dependant on the dialogue, so most everything comes through the front channel. Some sound effects and music seep in through the rear though and make for a nice subtle soundtrack. My only big gripe with this disc is the fact that there are only Spanish subtitles included and no English ones. I had a difficult time understanding what several of the thick-accented characters were saying and English subtitles would have gone a long way.

Sadly there is nothing on this disc for bonus features.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect of Red Dust going into the film, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. With the backdrop of racism, Apartheid, and the brutality that plagued South Africa this film draws from a large well or potential and only skims the surface. The story here is gut wrenching and sadly all too realistic in the aftermath of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Anybody with an interest in African politics will undoubtedly love this picture while the casual observer may take it or leave it because of the pacing.

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