South African freedom fighter Patrick Chamusso appears awestruck as he stands in a balcony of the Elgin Theater acknowledging cheers from the crowds who'd just seen his life story depicted powerfully in the world premiere of "Catch a Fire."  (L.A. Times photos by Tom O'Neil)

. . . last night's world premiere of "Catch a Fire" at the Elgin, Toronto's grandest old theater. It's a gripping pic telling the real story of Patrick Chamusso, a South African black man who became so outraged by the horrors inflicted upon him and family by the Apartheid regime that he made the painful decision to give up his family and join the rebel movement so he could blow up the energy plant where he worked. Actor Derek Luke nails his raw rage and shattered soul so impressively that he's a strong candidate to get the best actor nomination that he should've received for Oscar-gypped "Antwone Fisher." "Catch a Fire" could catch fire in other top Oscar categories, too, including best picture and director (Phillip Noyce, who's also helmed "Rabbit Proof Fence" and "The Quiet American"). The movie is that well made and devastating to watch, especially at the end when Noyce pulls a "Schindler's List" and merges his screen rendition of yesterday with what's real and survives today.