Cry Freedom

Cry Freedom (1987)

  • 81% of critics liked it
    (21 reviews)

  • 85% of users liked it
    (9,130 ratings)

Richard Attenborough directed this dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko… More

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PG,
Directed By
Genres
Art House & International, Drama
In Theaters
Nov 6, 1987 Wide
MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    Washington does a remarkable job of transforming himself into the articulte and mesmerizing black nationalist leader, whose refusal to keep silent led to his death in police custody and a subsequent coverup.

  • Mark Salisbury, Time Out

    An implacable work of authority and compassion, Cry Freedom is political cinema at its best.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    These are fine methods for delivering a civics lesson, which to some extent is what the Attenborough approach is all about. But for a film that aspires to entertain as well as educate, they are less helpful.

  • 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.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    In a country busier than Chile with oppression, violence and subjugation, the story of Woods' slow awakening is certainly not the most exciting, or revealing.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Lenny M


    Great Acting, very moving story.

  • xGary X


    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 his… More

  • Dean M


    Extraordinary true-life story of friendship between black activist and white newspaper editor in South Africa who told against the backdrop of a turbulent but beautiful land rich in everything but common humanity.

  • Jonny C


    Good movie based on actual events in 70's S.Africa. Set during the apartheid an unlikely friendship between a white liberal and a black activist form the basis of the story. Kline and Washington are on top form, but it has a TV movie feel from beginning to end. I usually… More

  • Barry L


    Typical of its type but very powerful.

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

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