Cry Freedom

Cry Freedom is a profound 1987 historical drama directed by acclaimed director Sir Richard Attenborough. The film stars the Oscar-winning duo Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline, along with Josette Simon, in standout roles. The film is steeped in the history of South Africa and raises a forceful voice against the racially bigoted apartheid regime of South Africa during the late 1970s, an era characterized by prolonged civil strife against societal inequities.

Set against the backdrop of South Africa's tumultuous politics and racial segregation policies, the film introduces the audience to real-life characters and events wrapped in a web of political turmoil, personal friendship, and a relentless pursuit of social justice. Cry Freedom is primarily a political biopic that gives us an intimate look at two people at the heart of the resistance against apartheid—fiery activist Steve Biko, played by Denzel Washington, and a liberal white newspaper editor, Donald Woods, portrayed by Kevin Kline. Both of them, despite the color of their skin, form an unlikely bond grounded in common values and a shared objective - to dismantle the oppressive system systematically working towards racial discrimination.

Right from the beginning, Cry Freedom succeeds in painting a rigorously authentic picture of the apartheid regime, with director Attenborough ensuring that the racial tension underlying the era is never far from the surface. Denzel Washington brings to life the spirit of Steve Biko with a trademark performance that resonates with passion, fervor, and determination. His character, a bold and charismatic leader, effectively presents the argument for 'Black Consciousness', a socio-political movement that sought to empower the black majority in South Africa.

On the other end of the spectrum, Kevin Kline as Donald Woods, a newspaper editor of the Daily Dispatch, delivers a compelling performance. Initially aloof of Biko's cause, Woods undergoes a change of heart after Biko takes him on a tour of South Africa, exposing the appalling conditions Black people were living in. Stirred by the glaring injustice, he is ultimately drawn into Biko's life and cause, becoming instrumental in spreading his message even after Biko's tragic demise.

Josette Simon, portraying Woods's wife, Wendy, adds another layer of depth to the narrative, helping to give voice to the families who also suffered from the chaos and stood tall in their fight for justice. The family's commitment to the cause, even in the face of personal risk, is a testament to the power of empathy and the shared values that bind us as humans.

Attenborough's direction throughout Cry Freedom is deliberately sweeping, yet attentive to details, often using sweeping lines and stark contrasts to delineate the blatant divide in racial equity. The script, penned by John Briley, delivers the activist's powerful rhetoric and at times veers into a suspenseful thriller. But it is the film's focus on the friendship between Woods and Biko that transforms Cry Freedom from a simple living testament of history into a deeply personal narrative.

Cry Freedom is often praised for its unflinching portrayal of apartheid-era South Africa and raises significant questions about racial inequality, political corruption, and freedom. The film's emotional distress and power come from its convictions, conveyed most effectively in the performances of its stellar cast—specifically Washington, Kline, and Simon, whose collective work makes the narrative come alive with intensity and heartrending humanity.

Beyond its political narrative, Cry Freedom is also a study of human fortitude, highlighting how individuals can drive change and instil hope against seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether you're interested in historical accuracy, meaningful writing, exceptional acting, or compelling storytelling, Cry Freedom stands as a testament to a significant chapter of the world's history that needs to be remembered.

This beautiful, powerful, and moving piece of cinema is a stark illustration of how the courage and determination of a few individuals could invigorate a nation's fight for true freedom, making Cry Freedom a must-watch film for anyone interested in learning about South Africa's fight against apartheid.