Watch Cry Freedom

Cry Freedom is a biographical drama movie from 1987 directed by Richard Attenborough, based on real events that occurred in South Africa during the apartheid regime. The movie tells the story of a friendship between Steve Biko, a black South African activist, and a liberal white journalist Donald Woods, who struggles for the freedom of speech, taking the risk to report on the injustices of apartheid.

Denzel Washington portrays Steve Biko, who founded the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, advocating for the empowerment and liberation of black people from the oppressive white minority rule. Steve is a charismatic leader who inspires many young men and women to stand up for their rights and fight for a better tomorrow, even though he knows that his activism will put him in danger.

Kevin Kline plays Donald Woods, the editor of the Daily Dispatch, a white newspaper based in South Africa. He is introduced to Steve when assigned to cover the trial of the anti-apartheid leader, and they develop a close friendship. Donald is shocked by the brutality and racism he witnesses, but is determined to expose the truth to the world, despite the government's censorship and intimidation.

Josette Simon portrays Steve's wife, Ntsiki, who supports her husband's cause and helps other women in the community by educating them about contraception, childcare, and political rights. Her courage and determination are tested when Steve is arrested and dies in police custody, leaving her to carry on his legacy.

The movie depicts the struggles and sacrifices of the anti-apartheid movement, with scenes of protests, police brutality, and trials of activists who are sentenced to life imprisonment for fighting against segregation. It also shows the complex relationships between different groups of people, both black and white, who are affected by the laws and policies of apartheid.

As Donald Woods investigates Steve's death, he discovers that the government has covered up the evidence and is determined to prevent him from exposing the truth. He and his family are forced to leave South Africa and go into exile, leaving behind their friends and colleagues.

Cry Freedom is a powerful and emotional movie that highlights the importance of speaking out against injustice and fighting for human rights. It features outstanding performances by Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline, who bring to life the characters of Steve and Donald with sensitivity and depth. The music by George Fenton and Jonas Gwangwa adds to the dramatic impact of the movie, enhancing the mood and tone of each scene.

Overall, Cry Freedom is a must-see movie that shines a light on a dark period in South African history, reminding us of the courage and resilience of those who fought for freedom and democracy. It is a tribute to the human spirit and the power of friendship, inspiring audiences to stand up for what they believe in and make a difference in the world.

Cry Freedom is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 59.