Cry Freedom - Le cri de la liberté

This film is, quite simply, brilliant. The cinematography is good, the acting superb and the story absolutely breathtaking. This is the story of Donald Woods, a white South African who thought himself a liberal until he found out the reality of apartheid. Kevin Kline is completely convincing - so much so that when Donald Woods himself appeared on TV some years later, I recognised him from Kline's portrayal. Denzel Washington also turns in a masterful performance, as ever.

I urge you to watch this. It is long, but it is worth your patience because it tells such an incredible story. Remember, folks, this really happened.

Cry Freedom was such a touching, unforgettable film. The acting was amazing, and they picked the perfect cast. I watched this at my school last year for the first time, and the first scene made me want to cry! Cry Freedom made me laugh, cry, confused, and made me just want to scream at those people who treated blacks cruelly! I recommend you rent this movie. 10/10

As anyone old enough knows, South Africa long suffered under the vile, racist oppression of apartheid, which completely subjugated the black population. One of the most famous anti-apartheid activists was Steve Biko, who was murdered in jail. Following the murder, reporter Donald Woods sought to get Biko's message out to the world.

In "Cry Freedom", Woods (Kevin Kline) befriends Biko (Denzel Washington) before the latter is arrested on trumped up charges. When Woods attempts to spread Biko's word, he and his family begin living under threat of attack, and they are finally forced to flee the country. The last scene gut-wrenchingly shows police firing on protesters.

As one of two movies (along with "A World Apart") that helped galvanize the anti-apartheid movement, "Cry Freedom" stands out as possibly the best ever work for all involved.

I think the context of the story has been covered by other posters so I would just like to write about the impact this film had on me.

I first saw this film the year of it's release around 1987. My school organised a trip to the cinema to see it, for an RE project I think. We all went along of course excited because we were on a school trip to the cinema! Little did we know what we were about to experience. To this day I still remember the feelings it invoked in me and i remembered crying a lot as were most of my friends. I think at the age we were we found it shocking and quiet rightly outraged in our own youthful way .It had such an impact on me that I joined the Anti Apartheid Movement the same year.

I think it served it's purpose in my case.

If you find apartheid-set films fascinating, you'll want to check out Cry Freedom, a drama starring Denzel Washington as the activist Steve Biko. Kevin Kline comes along for the ride, and as a journalist who clashes with Denzel, but as they get to know each other, he understands his methods and gets drawn to the cause himself.

Parts of this movie are very tense and exciting, as risks are taken to further the greater good. Keep in mind it was made in the 1980s, though, so it won't be as graphic or violent as it would be if made today. Still, for '80s audiences, I'm sure it was educational and eye-opening as to conditions in apartheid South Africa. There's still a modicum of "Hollywood" about this movie: Kevin's character is much more developed than Denzel's, and the entire point of the movie is his shift in support, rather than a straight biopic of Steve Biko with a side character of a journalist. Still, it's always a treat to see actors putting on difficult accents, and you'll also get to see a young Penelope Wilton as Kevin's wife!