Cry Freedom

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Simon T @MovieTart Sep 28, 2026 I think this may be Attenborough's best film. The first half focuses on Steve Biko (a quietly impressive Denzel Washington) and how his determination to dismantle apartheid leads inexorably to his murder in prison. The second half covers the courageous solo escape of newspaper editor Donald Woods and separately his family, as the Afrikaaner police home in. Kevin Kline reins in his comic skills to give an excellent and subtle portrayal of Woods, and is greatly supported by Penelope Wilton as his wife, Wendy. In fact, all the performances are beautifully judged, given that most are a few lines. And finally, George Fenton contributes a glorious score, supplying a musical subtext that elevates Attenborough's expert direction. See more Jerod S @jeroduptown Mar 10, 2025 Highlights a profound partnership during the apartheid - played well by Denzel and Kevin Kline. Only down side is how dang long it is. See more Aleksandar D @RT85660610 Dec 23, 2024 Richard Attenborough’s "Cry Freedom" is a deeply moving portrayal of the fight against apartheid, anchored by stellar performances from Denzel Washington as activist Steve Biko and Kevin Kline as journalist Donald Woods. The film captures the courage and conviction of those who stood against systemic oppression, offering a gripping mix of personal tragedy and political awakening. While the pacing occasionally feels stretched, the emotional weight of the story and its commitment to justice more than compensate. Attenborough’s direction ensures that Biko’s message resonates powerfully, making this both a history lesson and a heartfelt tribute. A compelling and important film that leaves a lasting impact. See more dave s @RT68722908 Apr 22, 2021 Cry Freedom tells the story of newspaper editor Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) and his relationship with activist Stephen Biko (Denzel Washington) at the height of apartheid in 1970s South Africa. The first half of the film is an insightful and powerful examination of the horrific policies implemented by South Africa's government and Biko's attempts to bring justice and equality to the victims of the racist laws. However, the second half of the film pivots unexpectedly into a Sound of Music-like story, minus the annoying songs, where Woods and his family try to escape from South Africa. The film is worth watching for the first half and if getting two movies for the price of one sounds like a bargain, feel free to slog through the second half. See more Apr 22, 2021 An inspiring movie. Denzel Washington does a great job portraying Steve Biko. See more Jan 17, 2021 Spoilers: Richard Attenborough explores the story of Steve Biko, a South African activist who fought against apartheid and a name I was embarrassingly unfamiliar with, and his relationship with editor Donald Woods, who also wrote the book this film was based on. Attenborough presents his dual biopic on a pretty grand scale and, aided by two solid performances from Washington and Kline, is definitely a story that resonates well today. It does end up running way too long for me, concentrating on the plight of Woods in the final third, turning what for me was an inspiring story of a young man fighting for equality against the Goliath sized apparatus put in place by his country to stop him, into an escape thriller that had me immediately conjuring images of the Von Trapp family. It almost felt like there were two movies here and unfortunately trying to end the film with Woods' heroics, aside from stretching it to almost 160 minutes, muddles and even lessens the important themes and messages taken from the first two hours. It is even evident Attenborough may have realized this by throwing in that final scene depicting the massacre at Soweto, and while surely emotionally stirring, it just felt out of place and a way of making sure the audience didn't forget about the real victims after watching the would be consultants of this film heroically escape to a much better life abroad. Overall a more than worthwhile film as I definitely gained some knowledge and perspective but unfortunately felt potential for this to be REALLY good so was disappointed when it started to drag and change tones late. See more Read all reviews

Cry Freedom

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