Disgrace
Disgrace

Disgrace

2008Movie120 minEnglish

Disgrace is the story of a South African professor of English who loses everything: his reputation, his job, his peace of mind, his good looks, his dreams of artistic success, and finally even his ability to protect his cherished daughter. After having an affair with a student, he moves to the Eastern Cape, where he gets caught up in a mess of post-apartheid politics.

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IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users70%
Director: Steve JacobsGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In post-apartheid South Africa, a white professor, David Lurie, loses his prestigious university position after a sexual relationship with a student. He travels to the Eastern Cape to visit his daughter, Lucy, who lives on a remote farm. Their lives take a terrifying turn when they are brutally attacked by local youths, forcing David to confront the harsh realities of the new South Africa and the moral complexities of his own actions.

Critical Reception

Disgrace received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its powerful performances, particularly from John Malkovich, and its unflinching exploration of themes like guilt, reconciliation, and the lingering impact of apartheid. While some found the film's bleakness challenging, most acknowledged its artistic merit and its provocative examination of post-colonial South Africa.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for John Malkovich's compelling performance as a man confronting his past.
  • Noted for its stark and unflinching portrayal of post-apartheid South Africa.
  • Acknowledged for its sensitive handling of difficult themes of race, guilt, and trauma.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight John Malkovich's powerful and nuanced performance as the central strength of the film. Many viewers found the movie to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of difficult social and personal issues. Some reactions pointed to the film's challenging and somber tone, but overall, it was seen as a significant and impactful drama.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Film at the Rome Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the highly acclaimed 1999 novel of the same name by Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee.

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