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Escape from Pretoria

  • 2020
  • PG-13
  • 1h 46m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
49K
YOUR RATING
Daniel Radcliffe and Daniel Webber in Escape from Pretoria (2020)
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) stars as Tim Jenkin, a real-life ANC activist who was branded a terrorist - and imprisoned - in Africa's maximum-security Pretoria prison in the late 1970's during Apartheid. Along with two fellow freedom fighters, played by Daniel Webber (The Punisher, The Dirt) and Mark Leonard Winter (The Dressmaker), Tim made a complex and daring escape 18 months into his incarceration using handcrafted wooden keys. The ingenious escape attempt happened 40 years ago on 11th December 1979.
Play trailer2:30
4 Videos
99+ Photos
DocudramaPrison DramaTrue CrimeActionBiographyCrimeMysteryThriller

Based on the real-life prison break of two political captives, Escape From Pretoria is a race-against-time thriller set in the tumultuous apartheid days of South Africa.Based on the real-life prison break of two political captives, Escape From Pretoria is a race-against-time thriller set in the tumultuous apartheid days of South Africa.Based on the real-life prison break of two political captives, Escape From Pretoria is a race-against-time thriller set in the tumultuous apartheid days of South Africa.

  • Director
    • Francis Annan
  • Writers
    • Francis Annan
    • L.H. Adams
    • Tim Jenkin
  • Stars
    • Daniel Radcliffe
    • Daniel Webber
    • Ian Hart
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.8/10
    49K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Francis Annan
    • Writers
      • Francis Annan
      • L.H. Adams
      • Tim Jenkin
    • Stars
      • Daniel Radcliffe
      • Daniel Webber
      • Ian Hart
    • 291User reviews
    • 74Critic reviews
    • 56Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Videos4

    UK Trailer
    Trailer 2:30
    UK Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:32
    Official Trailer
    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:32
    Official Trailer
    Escape from Pretoria
    Trailer 2:32
    Escape from Pretoria
    Escape From Pretoria: Look Backwards
    Clip 1:30
    Escape From Pretoria: Look Backwards

    Photos195

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    Top Cast33

    Edit
    Daniel Radcliffe
    Daniel Radcliffe
    • Tim Jenkin
    Daniel Webber
    Daniel Webber
    • Stephen Lee
    Ian Hart
    Ian Hart
    • Denis Goldberg
    Mark Leonard Winter
    Mark Leonard Winter
    • Leonard Fontaine
    Nathan Page
    Nathan Page
    • Mongo
    Grant Piro
    Grant Piro
    • Schnepel
    Lenny Firth
    • Vermellen
    Lliam Amor
    • Kitson
    Adam Tuominen
    Adam Tuominen
    • Jeremy
    PJ Oaten
    PJ Oaten
    • Rabkin
    Ratidzo Mambo
    Ratidzo Mambo
    • Daphne
    Vuyo Loko
    • Potluck
    Maris J. Caune
    • Loggie
    • (as Maris J Caune)
    Adam Ovadia
    • Van Wyk
    Rory Walker
    • Walter
    Genevieve Mooy
    • Marcia
    Jeanette Cronin
    Jeanette Cronin
    • Mary
    Stephen Hunter
    Stephen Hunter
    • Peter
    • Director
      • Francis Annan
    • Writers
      • Francis Annan
      • L.H. Adams
      • Tim Jenkin
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews291

    6.848.6K
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    10

    Featured reviews

    8downingpatrick

    Tension through simplicity

    Had I seen the IMDB rating I might not have watched it but am pleased I did. This production kept me engaged throughout bringing dramatic tension even to bubblegum on the ens of a stick! Particularly if you knew the consequences awaiting the protagonists if they failed. Perhaps the appalling situation could have been more graphically set up but as a prison break movie it works well but not if you want the graphic violence that so many filmmakers resort to for tension. Ignore the negatives & watch it
    7danielmanson

    More enjoyable than you'd think

    In terms of true story movies, this is probably one of the better ones I've seen.

    Let's just jump into it. So, what I enjoyed the most was the built suspense throughout. It was done superbly well and it was real edge of your seat action. The reason why it's so good is, because the plot isn't something that you'd consider to have much going on. So the fact you're on edge for a lot of the film really illustrates how well written this is.

    As with all movies like this, it's always worth asking if you need to know the true story in order to watch this? And to put it bluntly, no you don't. You can enjoy this for what it is, which is a prison escape thriller. I knew nothing of the people this film was illustrating and I really enjoyed this.

    Couple of minor things to mention. I thought the characters could have had more of a back story. With them being important figures in South African history, would have been nice to have known them a little more. Instead you're thrown into the deep end within the first 2 minutes. And I know it's a true story, so obviously you can't just make stuff up. But, I felt the plot needed a little punch just to add a bit more, because it never goes out of its way.

    I don't have much else to say other than I would recommend watching if you were debating it as it's a real good thriller. 7/10 today.
    80U

    Escape from Pretoria

    Basically, some of these critics haven't a clue. This movie is a must-see; it dramatically illustrates the physical and psychological cruelty orchestrated by the Apartheid regime. Some aspects are subtle and horrifying. My only complaint is we didn't get the backgrounds of several fascinating characters. Of course, in many movies there's simply not enough time. And finally, Daniel Radcliffe and Mark Leonard Winter were mesmerizing expressing the horror of being incarcerated. Go see the film.
    7afataev

    Good Movie

    Why people are giving low rate to all the latest films that Daniel Radcliffe have been shot. I like this movie, its not boring at all. The plot is very interesting, the soundtrack chosen very good. actors played their role perfectly. I don't know what else people want from the movie !!!
    8ops-52535

    im not that easy tensed, but this touched a string of nerve

    Its a dramathriller from true life, the apharteid era of south africa, anc and white political supporters, going to prison for equal rights. while there theyre fed up with the prison system and tries to make a way to escape. how and when its done i shall not spoil.

    but if your in for a session of silverscreen watching, accompanied with a lot of stretching, hyperventilating, stress and a whole lot of sweat then youre in for it in this flick. the acting are good, the filmographic efforts combined with excellent light and soundwork, together with a serious set of score make it all even better.

    why not 10, well i think the makers portrays the prisoners environment a bit smoother and humane than it was in the true life, and i think the introduction to the maincast is a bit slow and weak. so its not a perfect film, even though the grumpy old man had a good time.a recommend.

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    Related interests

    Jesse Eisenberg in The Social Network (2010)
    Docudrama
    Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
    Prison Drama
    Lee Norris and Ciara Moriarty in Zodiac (2007)
    True Crime
    Bruce Willis and Taniel in Die Hard (1988)
    Action
    Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Geraldine James in Gandhi (1982)
    Biography
    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)
    Crime
    Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in Chinatown (1974)
    Mystery
    Cho Yeo-jeong in Parasite (2019)
    Thriller

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The chisel used at Door 10 in the film is the actual chisel used in the escape. Tim Jenkin had kept it through the years and lent it to the production.
    • Goofs
      When Tim and Leonard exit from hiding in the storage closet, the closet door is left ajar. A few minutes later when Leonard is checking for the guard, a shot of the staircase shows the closet door closed. When Tim and Leonard return to hide, the closet door is ajar again.
    • Quotes

      Denis Goldberg: Don't run away, stay and fight!

      Tim Jenkin: [holds up a key] This is how we fight!

    • Connections
      Referenced in Escape from Pretoria: Cast Interviews (2020)

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    FAQ17

    • How long is Escape from Pretoria?Powered by Alexa
    • Are there more recent high-profile prison breaks in South Africa?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 6, 2020 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United Kingdom
      • Australia
      • United States
      • South Africa
      • Germany
    • Official sites
      • Official SAFC Media Release
      • Official site (Japan)
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • Afrikaans
    • Also known as
      • Fuga de Pretoria
    • Filming locations
      • Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
    • Production companies
      • Footprint Films
      • Beagle Pug Films
      • MEP Capital
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross worldwide
      • $2,431,995
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 46m(106 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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