Fresh
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.
Variety Staff, Variety
Cry Freedom
The true story of the friendship that shook South Africa and awakened the world.
1987 · 2h 37m · PG
Drama
Directed by
Richard Attenborough
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Cry Freedom
Overview
A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
76%
Tomatometer
Fresh
An implacable work of authority and compassion, Cry Freedom is political cinema at its best.
Mark Salisbury, Time Out
Rotten
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.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Fresh
Cry Freedom is a sincere and valuable movie, and despite my fundamental reservations about it, I think it probably should be seen.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Rotten
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.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
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