Tenth of a Second 1987
"Torn between his desire for justice - and his obsession with revenge."
Set against the tense backdrop of 1980s South Africa, *Tenth of a Second* (1987) thrusts viewers into a gripping political thriller directed by Darrell James Roodt.
Director: Darrell James Roodt
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tenth of a Second (1987) about?
The film follows Michael Wilder, a schoolteacher and activist, who receives a suitcase bomb from a fellow revolutionary. As he grapples with the weight of dismantling apartheid, Wilder must decide whether to plant the bomb or abandon his cause—risking his freedom or his life in the process.
Who directed Tenth of a Second?
Darrell James Roodt directed this tense political thriller, known for his ability to blend personal drama with larger societal themes.
Who stars in Tenth of a Second?
The film features James Whyle as Michael Wilder and John Carson in key supporting roles, delivering performances that underscore the film's emotional and political stakes.
Is Tenth of a Second (1987) worth watching?
While it may lack mainstream recognition, *Tenth of a Second* offers a gripping exploration of moral conflict and political resistance. Its tight runtime and intense narrative make it a compelling watch for fans of 1980s thrillers rooted in real-world struggles, even if it wasn't widely rated at the time.
How long is Tenth of a Second?
The film runs for 77 minutes, delivering its story with concise, high-stakes pacing.
About Tenth of a Second (1987) — A South African Political Thriller of Justice and Revenge
Set against the tense backdrop of 1980s South Africa, *Tenth of a Second* (1987) thrusts viewers into a gripping political thriller directed by Darrell James Roodt. James Whyle stars as Michael Wilder, a dedicated schoolteacher and activist whose marriage crumbles under the weight of his dangerous double life. When a fellow revolutionary leaves him a suitcase containing a bomb, Wilder faces an impossible choice: risk everything to dismantle the apartheid regime or surrender to the consuming pull of vengeance. With its raw intensity and moral dilemmas, the film captures the era's simmering unrest through a personal lens.
This understated yet powerful thriller thrives on its atmospheric tension, mirroring the real-life struggles of those fighting oppression. Whyle's performance anchors the narrative, while John Carson adds intensity as a fellow activist entangled in the same web of resistance. Roodt's direction crafts a story where every decision carries irreversible consequences, blending political urgency with intimate human drama.