Cry Freedom Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A white journalist befriends a charismatic Black leader, then goes on a really long road trip when things get spicy, because escaping is more important than staying and fighting injustice, apparently.

🍿 Cry Freedom: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Donald Woods and Steve Biko

Donald Woods, a white South African newspaper editor, initially criticizes Steve Biko, a Black anti-apartheid activist. After meeting Biko, Woods begins to understand the injustices of apartheid and becomes a supporter of Biko’s movement. This sets the stage for their friendship and the challenges they will face.

Growing Friendship and Government Surveillance

As Woods and Biko’s friendship deepens, they attract the attention of the South African Security Police. Woods uses his newspaper to publish pro-Biko articles, further angering the government. The Woods family faces increasing surveillance and harassment, highlighting the dangers of opposing the apartheid regime.

Biko’s Death and Woods’ Determination

Steve Biko is arrested and dies in police custody under suspicious circumstances. The government attempts to cover up the truth, but Woods is determined to expose the injustice. He decides to write a book about Biko’s life and message, but knows he must leave the country to publish it safely.

The Escape from South Africa

Woods and his family plan a daring escape from South Africa. They face numerous obstacles and narrowly avoid capture by the authorities. The escape highlights the lengths to which Woods is willing to go to honor Biko’s memory and fight against apartheid. This escape is a major portion of the film, filled with suspense.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Steve Biko (Denzel Washington): A charismatic anti-apartheid activist who befriends journalist Donald Woods and becomes a symbol of resistance against racial oppression.
• Donald Woods (Kevin Kline): A South African journalist and editor who initially criticizes Steve Biko but later becomes a close friend and staunch supporter of his cause.
• Wendy Woods (Penelope Wilton): Donald Woods’ wife, who supports her husband’s work and bravely endures the dangers of living under apartheid.
• Dr. Ramphele (Josette Simon): A doctor and activist who works alongside Steve Biko and challenges Donald Woods’ initial prejudices.
• Jimmy Kruger (John Thaw): The South African Minister of Justice, representing the oppressive apartheid regime and its disregard for human rights.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Steve Biko: “You are either part of the solution, or you are part of the problem.” – Biko states this principle when challenging Donald Woods to actively confront the injustices of apartheid.
• Steve Biko: “It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for an idea that will die.” – Expressing his commitment to the anti-apartheid movement, even at the cost of his own life.
• Steve Biko: “We do not want to be blacks working for whites. We want to be people working with people.” – Emphasizing the need for true equality and not just a change in who holds power.
• Steve Biko: “I’m going to die one day, and I want to die having lived.” – A direct insight into Steve Biko’s ideology, and that his cause is so great, that it should be fought for until the very end.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $29,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,899,797
• Worldwide Gross: $5,899,797

💥 Cry Freedom Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching Cry Freedom in high school and being completely floored. Denzel Washington as Steve Biko was absolutely captivating; you just felt his power and charisma. The scenes of the Soweto uprising were gut-wrenching, and even though I knew the ending, I was on the edge of my seat during Donald Woods’ escape. I think it sparked a real interest in South African history for me. I will admit that the movie is long, but the emotional impact is worth it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those passionate about social justice issues”
  • “Fans of Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline”
  • “People seeking films about overcoming adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Racial discrimination”
  • “Scenes of police brutality”
  • “Disturbing content related to apartheid”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Cry Freedom, while well-intentioned, ultimately feels unbalanced, prioritizing Donald Woods’ escape over a deeper exploration of Steve Biko’s life and the broader struggle against apartheid. Kline delivers a solid performance, but the film’s narrative focus somewhat diminishes Washington’s compelling portrayal of Biko.
• Roger Ebert: “Attenborough crafts a moving and important story. While the film’s structure might feel uneven to some, the emotional impact of Steve Biko’s struggle and Donald Woods’ commitment to exposing the truth is undeniable. Washington’s portrayal of Biko is magnetic, and Kline effectively captures Woods’ transformation.

Audience Reactions

Denzel Washington’s performance as Steve Biko is unforgettable and truly impactful.: Viewers consistently praise the film for its emotional power and Denzel Washington’s performance.

The movie opens your eyes to the cruel realities of apartheid.: It made people aware of how inhumanly black South Africans were being treated.

Overall Consensus: Cry Freedom is a powerful and moving film that is historically significant, although some feel the focus shifts too much towards the white protagonist.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Sound)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The filmmakers were initially granted permission to film in South Africa, but were later placed under surveillance by the security police and forced to leave the country.”
• “Richard Attenborough deliberately avoided graphic violence in depicting apartheid’s brutality, focusing instead on the human cost and the underlying injustice of the system.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cry Freedom?

Cry Freedom is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cry Freedom, you might like these similar films:

• Gandhi (1982): Directed by Richard Attenborough, this epic biopic also explores themes of racial discrimination, political resistance, and the struggle for freedom against colonial oppression. Both films chronicle the transformation of their protagonists into symbols of resistance.
• A World Apart (1988): A World Apart explores similar themes of apartheid and its impact on families, told through the eyes of a young girl whose parents are activists fighting against the system.
• Invictus (2009): A modern movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, about Nelson Mandela’s use of the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite South Africa and foster reconciliation after apartheid.
• Mississippi Burning (1988): Also released shortly after Cry Freedom, it addresses themes of racism and civil rights in the United States during the 1960s. It explores how authorities respond to racial injustices.

🛒 Cry Freedom Related Products

• Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Blu-ray): An inspiring biopic based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. It vividly showcases his journey from activist to political prisoner to president of South Africa, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to justice.
• Steve Biko: Black Consciousness in South Africa: A collection of writings and speeches by Steve Biko, providing direct insight into his philosophy and the Black Consciousness Movement. This book offers essential context for understanding Biko’s role in South African history.
• Apartheid: A Graphic History: This graphic novel offers a vivid and accessible depiction of apartheid in South Africa, exploring its historical roots, policies, and impact on everyday life. It provides a visually engaging way to understand the complex issues portrayed in ‘Cry Freedom.
• Funko Pop! Icons: Nelson Mandela: A stylized vinyl figure of Nelson Mandela. A great way to commemorate a key figure in the fight against apartheid.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cry Freedom features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” – performed by Enoch Sontonga
• “Cry Freedom” – performed by Jonas Gwangwa and George Fenton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cry Freedom | “Why Do You Call Yourselves White?”

Ever wondered how to challenge racial labels? Check out this impactful scene where Denzel Washington’s character, Steve Biko, confronts the very notion of ‘whiteness’. It’s a powerful moment that really makes you think!

Cry Freedom (1987) – Biko’s Funeral: Speech & “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika”

Get ready for goosebumps! Biko’s funeral scene, featuring the powerful anthem ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’, is incredibly moving. Honestly, it’s one of the most impactful moments in the film and a must-watch.

When the judge try to be smart with Denzel Washington #shorts #moviescene #denzelwashington

Denzel Washington absolutely shines in this courtroom showdown! Watch Steve Biko masterfully outwit the judge with his powerful words. It’s a short but super satisfying clip!

✨ Rate