Overview"Cry Freedom" is a 1987 British drama movie directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline. The film is based on the non-fiction book "Biko" by Donald Woods, which tells the story southern African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko and the friendship he shared with Woods, a white journalist. Embed in the late 1970s during the apartheid era in South Africa, the movie has received vital recognition for its representation of the resist the oppressive political system and its effect on the lives of both black and white South Africans.
PlotThe film begins in the black town of Crossroads, near Cape Town, where the residents are objecting versus the demolition of their houses by the federal government. In the middle of this unrest, journalist Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) interviews Steve Biko (Denzel Washington), an eloquent and charismatic black anti-apartheid activist. Despite the initial apprehension of Woods, he quickly ends up being interested by Biko's passion and dedication to produce a more equitable and simply society in South Africa.
As their friendship establishes, Woods is exposed to the brutality and oppressions dealt with by the black South Africans living under apartheid. He witnesses Biko's efforts to empower the black community and challenge the racist policies of the federal government through numerous community projects and initiatives. However, this likewise places Biko in the crosshairs southern African authorities. He is apprehended and prohibited from leaving his house, essentially positioning him under house arrest. Regardless of this, Biko continues his advocacy, even smuggling his speeches out of the house for Woods to publish.
Biko's Death and Woods' ExileThe turning point in the movie comes when Biko is detained for violating his banning order and is brutally beaten by the police. Despite requiring urgent medical attention, Biko is transferred to a jail over 700 miles away, where he ultimately dies due to the injuries inflicted by the cops. His death triggers prevalent outrage, both locally and internationally.
Figured out to share Biko's story with the world, Woods begins composing a book about his good friend and the injustice he suffered. Nevertheless, in doing so, Woods ends up being a target of the apartheid federal government. He and his household are subjected to risks, harassment, and even a failed assassination attempt. Recognizing that their security is at risk, Woods decides that they must run away the country in order to publish the book and expose the fact about Biko's death.
The Journey to FreedomIn the final part of the film, Woods and his family embark on a hazardous journey to escape South Africa. They are required to leave their buddies, their home, and their whole lives in order to seek refuge in neighboring Lesotho. From there, they ultimately make their way to London, where Woods is finally able to release his book and expose the circumstances surrounding Biko's death. The movie ends with Woods dedicating his life to the battle versus apartheid, in the hope of honoring Biko's memory and causing a much better future for all South Africans.
Conclusion"Cry Freedom" is an effective and thought-provoking film that clarifies the atrocities devoted under the apartheid regime in South Africa. Through the story of Steve Biko and Donald Woods, the film explores styles of relationship, nerve, and the struggle for justice in the face of oppression. Its message of hope and durability in the face of hardship functions as a prompt pointer of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for the rights of all people, regardless of their race or background.
Top Cast
