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Cry Freedom (1987) Reviews

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
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Average Ratings

(21 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

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.

Yes   |   No


Marion A.

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

Yes   |   No


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.

Yes   |   No


Del & Liz G.

Excellent story, acting, and action, and fantastic music and scenery.

Yes   |   No


Keith G.

Like "Gandhi" (also directed by Attenborough) a quite good political film that could have a great one. In some ways its a weaker film than Gandhi. A lot of the tension feels manufactured, even though the story is true. But on the other hand, the sheer emotional power of the strongest scenes, like the massacre in Soweto, surpass anything in Gandhi. While many understandably had trouble with making this the story of a white man, i.e. liberal editor Donald Woods and his families escape from South Africa after he was banned, instead of focusing the film on Wood"s friend Stephen Biko, I still felt the film worked, and was an effective agit prop plea to the world to do something about South Africa. Both Denzel Washington and Kevin Klein are very good, although I found both stronger in other films.

Yes   |   No


Alex W.

Excellent film. Denzel Washington was outstanding. He's so good in the role of Steve Biko that you forget that you're watching Denzel Washington. I've seen actors who are good in their roles, but you don't get that same feeling. Know wonder this guy is a two time oscar winner. Kevin Kline was pretty good too.

Yes   |   No


BOB A.

I waited many months for this movie(well worth the waiting). I am emotionally moved when I view this movie and others that show the courage that these persons as they fight for human rights.

Yes   |   No


Melanie W.

Excellent film. I highly recommend it. Very informative.

Yes   |   No


The Galloway F.

A picture of the struggle and strife which plagued South Africa during the struggle for racial equality. This is a movie which will ignite your emotions, and incite your anger, and yet we should all see it! Two thumbs up!

Yes   |   No


Barbara S.

Great performances by Kevin Kline and Mr. Washington - very real. I wasn't that familiar with Penelope Wilton and was very impressed with her portrayal of a woman, wife and mother in an extremely difficult situation faced with some really tough decisions. I got a good history lesson!

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (21)
     
    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.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Marion A.

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

    Yes   |   No

     
    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.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 21 Reviews
       

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