Cry Freedom
1987 · Movie · PG · 157 min · ★ 7.0 · 67% critics
In 1970s South Africa, a white journalist begins investigating a prominent anti-apartheid activist and is forced to confront how state power and propaganda shape the truth. As their unlikely friendship grows, he becomes drawn into a dangerous fight for human rights, justice, and change.
Also known as Le Cri de la Liberté
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Details
- Years
- 1987
- Release date
- 1987-11-06
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 157 min
- Critic score
- 67/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.0/10 (234 votes)
About
If you like fact-based dramas about political struggle, moral awakening, and the cost of speaking out, this may click, especially if you enjoyed Gandhi or Malcolm X; Not for you if you want light, fast-paced viewing.
Pros: powerful true-story drama; strong performances; urgent human-rights themes | Cons: focus feels uneven; slower second half; some drawn-out scenes
Themes
- journalist
- 1970s
- male friendship
- south africa
- apartheid
- biography
- police corruption
- racism
- based on memoir or autobiography
- newspaper editor
- cape town, south africa
- asylum seekers
- +1 more
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Original Score · 1988 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1988 · nominated
Cast & crew
Kevin Kline
as Donald Woods
Denzel Washington
as Steve Biko
Penelope Wilton
as Wendy Woods
Kate Hardie
as Jane Woods
John Matshikiza
as Mapetla
Zakes Mokae
as Father Kani
John Thaw
as Kruger
Kevin McNally
as Ken
John Hargreaves
as Bruce
Juanita Waterman
as Ntsiki Biko
Directed by Richard Attenborough