Escape from Pretoria (2020)
Anti-apartheid activists Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee are arrested in 1978 South Africa for distributing political flyers and imprisoned in the maximum-security Pretoria Central Prison. Determined to continue their fight for freedom, Jenkin devises an audacious plan to escape, meticulously crafting wooden copies of over a dozen prison door keys.
Length: 1h46m
Genre: Biopic, Thriller, Historical
This Title is: Political Resistance and Ingenuity
Cast
Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Webber, Ian Hart, Mark Leonard Winter, Nathan Page
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: PG-13 – Strong language, intense sequences of sustained tension, brief violence, and thematic elements related to apartheid and oppression.
FAQ
- Is Escape from Pretoria (2020) Based on a True Story?: Yes, it is based on the 1979 real-life prison break by political prisoners Tim Jenkin and Stephen Lee, chronicled in Jenkin’s autobiography.
- Where was Escape from Pretoria (2020) filmed?: The movie was primarily shot in Adelaide, South Australia, which was transformed to resemble apartheid-era Pretoria and Cape Town.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: The acclaimed Australian composer David Hirschfelder, known for his scores on Shine and Elizabeth.
Filmmaker Profile
British director Francis Annan co-wrote and helmed the project, focusing on the procedural aspects of the escape. His taut, precise direction effectively captures the claustrophobia and nail-biting suspense required for this historical prison break story.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production delivers genuine, edge-of-your-seat suspense without resorting to typical action tropes. Its singular focus on the mechanics of the escape—watching the protagonists create key after key from simple wood—is captivating. It stands as a brilliant reminder of the triumph of human spirit and incredible resourcefulness in the face of tyranny.
Main Character Deep Dive
Daniel Radcliffe excels as Tim Jenkin, portraying a man whose quiet, focused intensity hides a fervent commitment to justice. His performance hinges on internal conflict, balancing the intense pressure of crafting keys with the risk of exposing his fellow political prisoners. Radcliffe masterfully conveys Jenkin’s extraordinary, methodical intellect and steely courage.
Unforgettable Quote
“Freedom is very simple idea, which is why, perhaps, it can be so easily lost.”
Trivia
- The script is adapted from the autobiography Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison by the real-life escapee, Tim Jenkin.
- To maintain accuracy, the filmmakers had a 1970s-era Toyota Cressida rebuilt and shipped to the Australian set for use in the production.
- The fictional character Leonard Fontaine was created to replace activist Alex Moumbaris, who declined to have his name used in the movie.
Trailer
Stream Escape from Pretoria (2020) on:
Our Review
- Quality:
- Acting:
- Storyline:
- Visuals:
- Entertainment:
I was absolutely riveted by this meticulously crafted true-life drama. What struck me immediately was the sheer procedural genius on display. I found myself breathlessly following every click of the lock and every tiny shaving of wood. Daniel Radcliffe gives a truly exceptional turn; he possesses a commanding screen presence as the determined activist Tim Jenkin, expertly communicating immense stress through subtle facial expressions. The atmosphere is thick with palpable tension thanks to the fantastic sound design, making simple prison noises—like a scraping chair or a key turning—feel like thunderous alarms. The movie excels by keeping the action confined and focused, which only amplifies the sense of danger. I appreciate how skillfully the picture celebrates the small victories of courage and resourcefulness under an oppressive regime. It is a supremely satisfying and suspenseful account of ingenuity triumphing over impossible odds.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you love history-based thrillers focused on methodical planning, intense prison settings, and nail-biting execution. Skip it if you require large-scale action sequences.
