Drum

Drum tells the true story of a South African reporter named Henry (Taye Diggs) who works for a magazine called Drum (the film is set in 1955, the height of Apartheid). Though Drum shies away from political articles, Henry tires of writing fluff pieces (a local boxing match, for instance) and starts tackling more socially important stories. Drum is an engaging look at an important moment in history, anchored by a fantastic lead performance by Diggs. Supporting roles have been filled by equally competent actors, with Jason Flemyng an obvious standout as Drum’s loyal and slightly awkward editor. Director Zola Maseko effectively tells this story without too many superfluous elements; as a result, the film goes by fairly quickly. Though the screenplay occasionally simplifies things – ie we know exactly who we’re supposed to root for, with no middle ground – and the conclusion is far from surprising, the solid performances and steady direction from Maseko ensures Drum‘s place among better-than-average true-life tales.

*** out of ****