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Cry Freedom [1987]
from Universal Pictures UK
starring Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, Josette Simon, Wabei Siyolwe, John Matshikiza
directed by Richard Attenborough

Features:

• PAL

Editorial Review:

Sir Richard Attenborough (Gandhi) directs this semi-successful drama about the relationship between South African black activist Steven Biko and a sympathetic newspaper editor (Kevin Kline). Attenborough's typical sweep of the life and times of Biko is particularly rewarding in the first half of the film, but once the leader comes to his untimely end at the hands of white police, the story shifts entirely to Kline's character and the latter's efforts to escape the country with his family. That change is a tactical error in the script that robs the film of its initial power and makes the arguably unfortunate choice of emphasizing the destiny of a white character when Biko himself deserved an entire feature for his story and causes. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• Cry Freedom, made her cry
  An awesome soundtrack that served it's unique inspiration on many levels. I made love to my first girlfriend to this ebullient South African anthem. There is a moment when the choir raises the skies with, Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika ("Lord bless Africa")Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo ("May her spirit rise high up ")Yizwa imithandazo yethu. ("Hear thou our prayers ")Nkosi sikelela Thina lusapho lwayo. ("Lord bless us, Your people."). Unfortunately, the album does not date very well, and there are many others and... more info

• Biko's spirit still lives in us ...and in all those who fight for freedom and emancipation.
  This movie is one of the best true stories protrayed on video. Buy and keep this dvd for your kids and future generations and it will teach them to grow and respect other people's right to live with determination.It may bring you to tears but it is worth watching.

• Nkosi sikelela thina lusapho lwayo
  We had to watch this in our RS class at school last year. Me and my friend were so moved and heartbroken I don't think we stopped crying for 3 days. Although (being of annoyingly sensitive nature) I couldn't watch some of the scenes, I won't forget this film in a hurry - especially Biko's funeral, where thousands of people stood and sang "Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika" - the South African national anthem; it's such a beautiful moment, it will haunt my dreams for the rest of my life.

• Voice for the voiceless
  The is timeless. Twenty years have past and I've just viewed the movie again with my English class. The movie, Cry Freedom, still has a powerful impact on the hearts and minds of those that view it. The story is earth shaking, and is still a voice for the voiceless that injustice has visited.
  Yet, I lopped off one star because I felt that coverage of Steve Biko was eclipsed by that of Donald Woods. Indeed both are great men but I felt that Biko should have had centrestage.

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