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Poster for Cry Freedom

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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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

All reviews
76%
Tomatometer
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
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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