Synopsis
A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
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Cast
- Kevin KlineDonald Woods
- Denzel WashingtonSteve Biko
- Penelope WiltonWendy Woods
- Kate HardieJane Woods
- John MatshikizaMapetla
- Zakes MokaeFather Kani
- John ThawKruger
- Kevin McNallyKen
- John HargreavesBruce
- Juanita WatermanNtsiki Biko
Recommendations
- 90
Time Out London
The initial stages of this epic movie are somewhat stodgy, but once Attenborough achieves his momentum there's no holding him. The performances are excellent, the crowd scenes astonishing, and the climax truly nerve-wracking. An implacable work of authority and compassion, Cry Freedom is political cinema at its best. - 80
Empire
Only stony hearts won't be moved by Attenborough's vivid, if occasionally sentimental, evocation of a great well of human potential cruelly snubbed out. - 80
Variety
Cry Freedom personifies the struggle of South Africa's black population against apartheid in the evolving friendship of martyred black activist Stephen Biko and liberal white newspaper editor Donald Woods. It derives its impact less from epic scope than from the wrenching immediacy of its subject matter and the moral heroism of its appealingly played, idealistic protagonists. - 63
Chicago Sun-Times
For the first half of this movie, I was able to suspend judgment. Interesting things were happening, the performances were good and it is always absorbing to see how other people live. Most of the second half of the movie, alas, is taken up with routine cloak-and-dagger stuff. - 60
The New York Times
Bewildering at some points and ineffectual at others, but it isn't dull. Its frankly grandiose style is transporting in its way, as is the story itself, even in this watered-down form. - 60
Washington Post
The proficiency of the actors powers the movie despite a stiff script and Attenborough's preference for choreographed crowd scenes over intimacy. - 50
The Guardian
A well-meaning film about the white liberal experience in South Africa – but, if you want to know about Steve Biko, look elsewhere. - 50
TV Guide Magazine
The film is talky and much of what is said is didactic, but it is never really preachy. Washington brings tremendous intelligence, dignity, and charisma to his Biko. Kline is also very good as the editor who goes from talking a good liberal game to living it, giving up virtually everything so that he can make the truth known about Biko.
