Cry Freedom
Cry Freedom

Movie spotlight

Cry Freedom

1959
Movie
99 min
Tagalog

A man and a woman fight for the freedom of their country Marking with his gun Yay with her typewriter. Thrown together by a cause greater than either of them they share the suffering of the flesh and the spirit among the country's guerrilla fighters. They emerge, out of the crucible of war, heroes-and lovers.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users87%
Director: Richard AttenboroughGenres: Biography, Drama, History

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the parallel lives of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and white journalist Donald Woods in South Africa during the apartheid era. Woods, initially skeptical of Biko's activism, becomes his staunch supporter after witnessing firsthand the brutality of the apartheid regime and Biko's impact. Their fight against injustice leads to tragic consequences.

Critical Reception

Cry Freedom was widely acclaimed for its powerful performances, particularly Denzel Washington's portrayal of Steve Biko, and its unflinching depiction of the horrors of apartheid. While some critics noted its length and pacing, the film was lauded for its historical significance and its ability to humanize the struggle against racial oppression.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Denzel Washington's Oscar-nominated performance and its impactful portrayal of a critical historical period.

  • Commended for shedding light on the realities of apartheid and the courage of those who fought against it.

  • Acknowledged for its emotional resonance and effective storytelling, despite some noting its length.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's powerful message, strong performances, and its educational value in understanding the apartheid struggle. Many found it to be an inspiring and moving cinematic experience.

Awards & Accolades

Denzel Washington received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film also garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in Zimbabwe, as the South African government at the time banned the making of films critical of apartheid.

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