Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, John Thaw

Sir Richard Attenborough (Gandhi) directs this semi-successful drama about the relationship between South African black activist Steven Biko and a sympathetic newspaper editor (Kevin Kline). At...( read more  read more... )tenborough's typical sweep of the life and times of Biko is particularly rewarding in the first half of the film, but once the leader comes to his untimely end at the hands of white police, the story shifts entirely to Kline's character and the latter's efforts to escape the country with his family. That change is a tactical error in the script that robs the film of its initial power and makes the arguably unfortunate choice of emphasizing the destiny of a white character when Biko himself deserved an entire feature for his story and causes. --Tom Keogh

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87% liked it

8,123 ratings

Critics

78% liked it

18 critics

PG, 2 hrs. 37 min.

Directed by: Richard Attenborough

Release Date: November 6, 1987

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DVD Release Date: February 23, 1999

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Stats: 441 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (441)


  • March 2, 2008
    Great Acting, very moving story.
  • June 11, 2007
    The film is a Hollywoodised version of Stephen Biko's life, but it was an important story to be told, in a version that needed to reach a wide audience. It retains some humour which gives it eminent watchability.
  • March 22, 2007
    Typically worthy and well-made biopic of Steven Biko and his death at the hands of the racist south african regime from Richard Attenborough. The first half of the film featuring the man himself played by Denzel in one of his best roles works better, as we get to know the man and...( read more) his motives. It's harder to care about Kline's attempts to escape the country in the wake of Biko's death, but it's still fascinating stuff.
  • August 10, 2007
    Typical of its type but very powerful.
  • April 10, 2007
    A great film.
  • November 16, 2009
    Best Supporting actor 1987
  • October 9, 2009
    An intelligent and powerful film about the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. However, after Biko's death, the film errs from the politics and becomes more of an action film, which doesn't seem to fit with the first half. An excellent film nonetheless.
  • August 2, 2009
    Excelente filme sobre Steve Biko e sua trajetória na África do Sul durante o apartheid. Atuações magníficas de Kevin Kline e Denzel Washington.
  • June 11, 2009
    First seen this during secondary school years. Extraordinary.
  • June 3, 2009
    the tear out o one eye, now THAT is acting.

Critic Reviews


January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Cry Freedom is a sincere and valuable movie, and despite my fundamental reservations about it, I think it probably should be seen. full review

View more Cry Freedom reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • maidachido
    May 19, 2009
    'You and I are in confrontation but, i see no violence' Powerfull movie!!

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Cry Freedom Trivia


  • Out of Time, The Mighty Quinn went to Philadelphia For Queen And Country to Cry Freedom. What actor am I?  Answer »
  • In Braveheart, what did Mel Gibson's character (William Wallace) cry out just before he was executed?   Answer »
  • 'Why do you people call yourself black, you are more brown than black?' 'Why do you people call yourself white you are more pink than white?'  Answer »
  • This actor played the starring role of Steve Biko in the movie Cry Freedom.  Answer »

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