A World Apart (1988)

88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
68% of users liked it
(1,177 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 her… 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

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 54 min.
Directed By: Chris Menges
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jun 17, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Aug 23, 2005
Studio: Media Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

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...
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A piercing examination of a family whose ruling passion is social justice.

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Cast

            Barbara Hershey as Diana Roth

            Jodhi May as Molly Roth

            Jeroen Krabbé as Gus Roth

            David Suchet as Muller

            Paul Freeman as Kruger

            Tim Roth as Harold

            Linda Mvusi as Elsie

            Yvonne Bryceland as Bertha

            Albee Lesotho as Solomon

            Nadine Chalmers as Yvonne Abelson

            Carolyn Clayton-Cragg as Miriam Roth

            Merav Gruer as Jude Roth

            Rosalie Crutchley as Mrs. Harris

            Kate Fitzpatrick as June Abelson

            Mackay Tickey as Milius

            Andrew Whaley as Interrogating Officer

            Adrian Dunbar as Le Rouzx

            Jude Akuwidike as Priest

            Margaret Hogan as History Teacher

            Jo-Anne Huckle as Debbie

            Jack Buckell Band
            
            Esma Levend as Whitworth

            Lovemore Majaivana and the Zulu Band
            
            Theresa Memela as Peggy

            Messias Choir
            
            Cont Mhlanga as Mtutuzeli Nzekwu

            Henry Mlauzi
            
            Clement Muchachi as Sipho

            Phyllis Naidoo as Saeeda

            Maria Pilar as Spanish Dance Teacher

            Andre Proctor as Arresting Officer

            Toby Salaman as Gerald Abelson

            Stephen Williams as Arresting Officer

            Nomaziko Zondo as Thandile

            Susie Figgis
            
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