Cry Freedom (1987)

Cry Freedom (1987)
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Richard Attenborough directed this dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko (Denzel Washington), a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist. Woods and his wife Wendy (Penelope Wilton) get to know Biko, and they become friends, until Biko is brutally murdered at the hands of government troops in 1977 for his activities against the country's repression of the black majority population. Donald is shocked and appalled by Biko's murder and determined that the truth about Biko will become known to the world; eventually, Donald and Wendy Woods and their children must leave South Africa (and nearly everything they have) as they spread the word about Biko's life and death to ensure that he did not die in vain. Washington received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Biko. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
Kevin Kline, Penelope Wilton, (more)
Director(s):
Richard Attenborough
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD & HD
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Synopsis of Cry Freedom

Richard Attenborough directed this dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko (Denzel Washington), a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist. Woods and his wife Wendy (Penelope Wilton) get to know Biko, and they become friends, until Biko is brutally murdered at the hands of government troops in 1977 for his activities against the country's repression of the black majority population. Donald is shocked and appalled by Biko's murder and determined that the truth about Biko will become known to the world; eventually, Donald and Wendy Woods and their children must leave South Africa (and nearly everything they have) as they spread the word about Biko's life and death to ensure that he did not die in vain. Washington received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as Biko. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
159 mins

Complete Cast of Cry Freedom


Director(s):
Richard Attenborough
Writer(s):
John Briley
Producer(s):
Norman Spencer, John Briley, Norman Spencer
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG(Violence, Questionable for Children, Adult Language)
Cry Freedom Awards:
  • 1988 - Berlin International Film Festival - Guild of German Film Theaters
  • 1988 - Berlin International Film Festival - Peace Film Prize Commendation
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    Scott T.

    Unforgettable and inspiring story! Depicts the classic struggle against injustice and oppression, and a ruling regime's relentlessness to hold on to power. Kevin Kline's character is news editor, Donald Woods, . . . who has no idea that his brief excursion into the underclass world will be far reaching, impacting the lives of his own family members, and permanent. It's a 'one-way, no-return' trek into unshackling oneself from all beliefs that divide man from man.

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    Marion A.

    would recommend, very haunting and gritty. superb acting by all, beautiful scenery.I won't forget this movie!!

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    Peter Y.

    I read the book before seeing the movie and the movie follows the story well. The story is still being played out all over the world and this movie brings home the hopelessness of the people involved with dictatorships. It takes very special people to stand up to corruption and greed. All the free world needs to have the courage to speak out and to help our less fortunate bothers and sisters. When we learn that everyone is equal, maybe there will be hope for the all of us. Rowanda is another movie of this calibur and is one that provokes thought.

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