Cry Freedom (1987)
Genre: Drama / Biography
Duration: 157 minuten
Country:
United Kingdom
Directed by: Richard Attenborough
Stars: Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline
IMDb score:
7,4 (15.277)
Releasedate: 6 November 1987
Cry Freedom plot
November 24, 1975. Steve Biko, a black activist in South Africa, teaches a white editor what life is like for the oppressed blacks, who are banned from the streets after six by the white commanders. Steve Biko dies in a cell but the editor continues his struggle and tries to get out of South Africa, the cry for freedom.
Actors and actresses
Donald Woods
Steve Biko
Wendy Woods
Jane Woods
Mapetla
Father Kani
Kruger
Ken
Bruce
Ntsiki Biko
Reviews & comments
BBarbie
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- 12893 messages
- 7675 votes
Even more than the exile of Nelson Mandela to Robben Island, the death of activist Steve Biko in a police cell made me aware of the bad sides of the apartheid policy in South Africa. That probably explains why the first part of this film appeals to me more than the second part about the flight of journalist Donald Woods. I do think it's a shame that Richard Attenborough presents the Soweto Massacre (1976) as a sort of apropos, when it could have been an integral part of the story.
That does not alter the fact that this is an excellent, haunting film by Attenborough, although it does not reach the level of his Gandhi (1982).
Incidentally, I would like to point out A World Apart (1988) by Chris Menges, who portrays the impact of the apartheid policy even more urgently than this film. .
Translated from Dutch · View original
Lovelyboy
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- 3954 messages
- 2956 votes
This afternoon after much hesitation I put it in and my doubts unfortunately turned out to be well founded after two and a half hours.
The story and background would lend themselves perfectly to a great movie. Unfortunately, it's only coming out in phases. The story about Biko, his death and the photos in the morgue are of course excellent. Easy to find on Google by the way. The background is also interesting to mention, Apartheid, the domination of the white authority, the sporadic and arbitrary violence, not to mention Washington in particular, who once again plays an excellent role.
Still, the film doesn't really interest me in whole parts and the biggest problem with the film is the considerable duration, which doesn't really add anything. It's just too sluggish and I personally sometimes have trouble taking Kline seriously. In addition, the music used is typical for the continent, but adds little in terms of atmosphere and tension. Then there is the shortcoming that Biko dies early, the run-up to that, albeit a bit on the tame side, is still the most fascinating. The whole second part around Woods himself just really doesn't captivate me and creeps by.
No, Cry Freedom isn't exactly my thing. But a lover of a quiet politically charged film based on true events may think otherwise.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Panoramix
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- 290 messages
- 344 votes
Very strong movie. As mentioned, the Donald Woods flight story is shown a little too extensively while this doesn't add much. That is the only downside. Denzel Washington puts down one of his very best roles here, resulting in a charismatic and impressive Steve Biko. The scriptwriters also deserve credit (or Donald Woods?) for strong dialogue. I've seen more movies about apartheid but none of them let it sink in like this one. Recommended, certainly as good as that other Attenborough classic, Gandhi, as far as I'm concerned.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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