A World Apart (1988)
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88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
68% of users liked it
(1,196 ratings)
Cinematographer Chris Menges' first directorial effort, A World Apart was inspired by the lives of South African journalist Ruth First and her daughter Shawn Slovo (who wrote the film's screenplay). Barbara Hershey plays the fictional counterpart to Ms. First, Diana Roth, with Jodhi May as… More Cinematographer Chris Menges' first directorial effort, A World Apart was inspired by the lives of South African journalist Ruth First and her daughter Shawn Slovo (who wrote the film's screenplay). Barbara Hershey plays the fictional counterpart to Ms. First, Diana Roth, with Jodhi May as her daughter. Told from the daughter's viewpoint, the film shows us that Diana and her husband Jeroen Krabbe are so busy with their anti-Apartheid political activism that they totally shut May out of their lives. In 1963, Hershey is arrested by the South African police, becoming the first white woman to be held under the infamous 90-day-detention act. Left despondent and suicidal by two separate arrests and by constant harassment from the police, Diana still won't include her daughter in her life until the girl presses the issue in a climactic confrontation. Some critics felt that Shawn Slovo was using A World Apart to settle unresolved issues in her own life: Ruth First was killed under suspicious circumstances in 1982, without ever reconciling with her daughter. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Chris Menges
- Genres
- Drama
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jun 17, 1988 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 23, 2005
- Studio
- Media Home Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Sean Axmaker, Turner Classic Movies Online
... there is a strong social consciousness and political content, but [Chris] Menges also brings a subdued dramatic atmosphere and rich visual sensibility to the film...
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A piercing examination of a family whose ruling passion is social justice.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Barbara Hershey
as Diana Roth
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Jodhi May
as Molly Roth
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Jeroen Krabbé
as Gus Roth
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David Suchet
as Muller
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Paul Freeman
as Kruger
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Tim Roth
as Harold
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Linda Mvusi
as Elsie
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Yvonne Bryceland
as Bertha
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Albee Lesotho
as Solomon
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Nadine Chalmers
as Yvonne Abelson
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Carolyn Clayton-Cragg
as Miriam Roth
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Merav Gruer
as Jude Roth
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Rosalie Crutchley
as Mrs. Harris
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Kate Fitzpatrick
as June Abelson
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Mackay Tickey
as Milius
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Andrew Whaley
as Interrogating Officer
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Adrian Dunbar
as Le Rouzx
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Jude Akuwidike
as Priest
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Margaret Hogan
as History Teacher
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Jo-Anne Huckle
as Debbie
- Jack Buckell Band
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Esma Levend
as Whitworth
- Lovemore Majaivana and the Zulu Band
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Theresa Memela
as Peggy
- Messias Choir
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Cont Mhlanga
as Mtutuzeli Nzekwu
- Henry Mlauzi
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Clement Muchachi
as Sipho
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Phyllis Naidoo
as Saeeda
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Maria Pilar
as Spanish Dance Teacher
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Andre Proctor
as Arresting Officer
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Toby Salaman
as Gerald Abelson
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Stephen Williams
as Arresting Officer
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Nomaziko Zondo
as Thandile
- Susie Figgis
