South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.
- Nominated for 3 Oscars
- 6 wins & 16 nominations total
- Dr. Ramphele
- (as Josettesimon-93556)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe filmmakers intended to shoot in South Africa as early as October 1986, with permission from select prominent figures, including Oliver Tambo and Winnie Mandela. After interviewing Mandela, the production crew was placed under surveillance by the South African security police and followed everywhere. They were eventually forced to leave South Africa. Also, the South African Broadcasting Corp. (SABC) deliberately misinterpreted producer/director Richard Attenborough's decision to shoot the movie in October, and instead broadcast the "news" of his starting a revolution sponsored by Russia.
- GoofsTires screeching on dusty dirt road.
- Quotes
State Prosecutor: But your own words demand for DIRECT CONFRONTATION!
Steve Biko: That's right, we demand confrontation.
State Prosecutor: Isn't that a demand for violence?
Steve Biko: Well, you and I are now in confrontation, but I see no violence.
- Crazy creditsPreceding the final credits is a list of other detainees who died in the custody of the South African police. Steven Biko's name appears on the list.
- Alternate versionsOn certain versions, the list of detainees who died in custody (see "Crazy Credits") is followed by a message: "Since the re-imposition of Emergency Regulations on 11th June, 1987, no further information regarding political detainees has been forthcoming."
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Eleventh Hour: Biko: Breaking the Silence (1987)
- SoundtracksNkosi Sikelel' iAfrika
Music by Enoch Sontonga
'Cry Freedom' is set in the late 1970s, during the apartheid era of South Africa and centers around the real-life events involving black activist Steve Biko and his friend Donald Woods, who initially finds him destructive, and attempts to understand his way of life.
'Cry Freedom' delves into the ideas of discrimination, political corruption, and the repercussions of violence. Based on a pair of books by journalist Donald Woods, this human-tragedy is wonderfully written by John Briley. Also, the dialogue at places, give you goose-flesh. Sure, the writing does drag a bit, but that doesn't effect it's impact.
Richard Attenborough knows what he's making. He knows this isn't an easy story to make. But, the veteran directs each frame with flourish. Cinematography by Ronnie Taylor, is excellent. Editing & Art Design, are perfect.
Performance-Wise: Denzel Washington is fantastic as Steve Biko. He delivers a performance that easily ranks amongst his finest works to date. Kevin Kline as Donald Woods, on the other-hand, is restrained all through. Not once does he go over the top. Penelope Wilton is effective. Kevin McNally scores. Others lend good support.
On the whole, 'Cry Freedom' is a terrific film, that over-shadows it's flaws, cleverly. Don't miss this one!
- How long is Cry Freedom?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $29,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $5,899,797
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $318,723
- Nov 8, 1987
- Gross worldwide
- $5,899,797
- Runtime2 hours 37 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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