Sophie Okonedo, Sam Neill, Alice Krige

Based on the true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era.

Flixster Users

82% liked it

240 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

29 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.

Directed by: Anthony Fabian

Release Date: October 30, 2009

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Stats: 28 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (28)


  • November 15, 2009
    "Skin" tells a story that, had it been fictional, would seem absolutely preposterous. In 1965, Sandra Laing became a central figure in South African newspapers. She was a black girl born to white Afrikaner parents. To many in South Africa, the notion that any Afrikaner had black ...( read more)ancestry was highly controversial. Living in a racial limbo, Laing's story became a perfect representation of the cruelly divisive nature of the South African apartheid-era laws.

    Sophie Okonedo plays Laing through her teen years to adulthood. Okonedo is an interesting actress who deserves more attention, but in "Skin" she's hampered by a lazy script. Here, Laing is written solely as a victim - an essentially ingredient for the film's melodrama. Along with Anthony Fabian's uninspired direction, "Skin" never overcomes a certain "made-for-TV" feel.

    The parents, Sannie and Abraham Laing (Alice Krige and Sam Neill), run a shop. Sannie is clearly the more loving and liberal of the two, while Abraham is unpleasant and far more blatant with his racism. When a black customer attempts to hand him a few coins, Abraham gestures to the table in order to complete the transaction without any contact.

    What holds "Skin" back is the two-dimensional nature of the characters, and there's no better example than Sam Neill as the father. He's written as such a villain, in fact, that when the film finally attempts to redeem him it comes off as comedy. Neill is obviously an exceptionally talented actor and he always brings quite a bit to the table, but this father makes the mother from "Precious" look like Mother Theresa.

    "Skin" has a wonderful story to share, but it simply doesn't know how to tell it. The filmmakers seem to be coasting, delivering an entertainment that feels relentlessly conventional. A life like Sandra Laing's deserves more than a glorified daytime soap.
  • November 26, 2009
    wow. the best film i have seen this year. Based on the true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era. this film gives you great acting all around, you cant help but fall in love with sophie okonedo and her portra...( read more)yal of sandy lang.

Critic Reviews


November 12, 2009
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

It feels hurried, looks cheap, and works overtime to simplify a complex, flawed character into a noble, tragic heroine. The film speaks fluent cliché. full review

November 12, 2009
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

This great film by Anthony Fabian tells this story through the eyes of a happy girl who grows into an outsider. full review

October 25, 2009
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine

A true-life tale of prejudice that hinges on a unique anomaly. full review

View more Skin reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

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Skin Trivia


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