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Cry Freedom [VHS] [1987]

Denzel Washington (Actor), Kevin Kline (Actor), Richard Attenborough (Director) | Rated: Parental Guidance | Format: VHS Tape
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Actors: Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, Josette Simon, Wabei Siyolwe, John Matshikiza
  • Directors: Richard Attenborough
  • Writers: John Briley, Donald Woods
  • Producers: Richard Attenborough, John Briley, Norman Spencer, Terence A. Clegg
  • Language: English
  • Classification: PG
  • Studio: 4 Front Video
  • VHS Release Date: 1 July 1999
  • Run Time: 151 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00004R67A
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 169,881 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)

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Product Description

From Amazon.co.uk

Sir Richard Attenborough (Gandhi) directs this semi-successful drama about the relationship between South African black activist Steven Biko and a sympathetic newspaper editor (Kevin Kline). Attenborough's typical sweep of the life and times of Biko is particularly rewarding in the first half of the film, but once the leader comes to his untimely end at the hands of white police, the story shifts entirely to Kline's character and the latter's efforts to escape the country with his family. That change is a tactical error in the script that robs the film of its initial power and makes the arguably unfortunate choice of emphasizing the destiny of a white character when Biko himself deserved an entire feature for his story and causes. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

The story of Steven Biko, a South African black activist, and his friendship with white journalist Donald Woods. When Biko (Denzel Washington) is killed, Woods (Kevin Kline) mounts an investigation into his death. Harassed by the South African government as a result, Woods is placed under house arrest. He manages to escape and risks his life in order to bring the true story of Biko's death to the world.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 49 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A very powerful film 29 Mar 2001
By siege_b
Format:VHS Tape
This is a very powerful film, based on a very powerful book, that will leave you asking the tough questions about governments and racial relationships. Kevin Kline plays Donald Woods, the editor who indergoes a change of opinion and a change of character (from someone who thinks they believe in what's right, to someone who's willing to act on what he knows is right) and Denzel Washington never looks less than dignified as the great activist Steve Biko. The death of Biko, and Woods' escape from South Africa are just two of the images that will stay with you long after watching the movie, and the acting is so superb it is easy to forget that these are two American actors with affected accents. See it. It will do you good.
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48 of 51 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and instense 31 Oct 2005
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I have never provided reviews for films or CDs or any other service. However for this film, I will make an exception because it's deserving of it. In short, this film made me cry each of the two times I have watched it. This isn't meant to be especially unique even for a guy, but I questioned and in fact feared whether the film would have the same impact on me the second time I watched it and amazingly it did. Thing is, the film simply reaches a climax at the very end that will be very hard for anyone not to be touched by. It's a great story about 1 man's bravery and fight for justice. Clearly we know of another more prominent figure in South Africa who showed all these qualities including great leadership, but Biko had these too. Fantastic performance by Kevin Klein and Denzel Washington. I wish there had been more about the life of Stephen Biko.
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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars First class 20 Jun 2005
By A Customer
Format:DVD
This is an excellent and important film about fighting the despicable prejudice of the apartheid regime in South Africa. At the time it was made there was a little bit of criticism that Attenborough had chosen to focus on the white character, Donald Woods, rather than the black character Steve Biko. This was missplaced. His film is about the need for liberal-minded people to ask themselves whether they are doing enough to combat tyranny. It traces the personal journey of Woods from the position of priviliged liberal to a more advanced and outspoken oppositon to the South African government. Besides, it would be untrue to claim that the black characters are not fully developed here. We get a clear sense of where Biko is coming from and why his struggle was so important. Obviously the film is a militant film, but what's wrong with that, when what you're militating against is something so blatantly unjust as apartheid? The film is well-made, well-written and a moving experience. You also get a glimpse of the physical beauty of that part of the world, even though the film was actually shot in Zimbabwe.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Typical Denzel Washington
A typical Washington film, thought provoking and so well done that time just passes with ease and leaves the viewer wanting more
Published 3 days ago by D. Andrew Allen
3.0 out of 5 stars An important piece of history, portrayed in a moving film.
This is an excellent film, just a little outdated because more recent film makers have access to better technology. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Judith
5.0 out of 5 stars memories
a thought provoking movie 1st seen a pictures aged 15 the movie shocked me it show u what life was lik in S A for non white people who spoke up 4 them sleves
Published 25 days ago by lupy
5.0 out of 5 stars An oldie but goody
I have used this years ago to teach year 11s about apartheid as part of a GCSE course and had to order a new one because the original was on video. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. J. L. Robson
5.0 out of 5 stars good
making people write long reviews on ggod they receive is in my opinion expecting a lot. surely just a simple word comment is enough??
Published 3 months ago by Ms. Julie A. Renyard
3.0 out of 5 stars Good film but not family entertainment
We used to have this film on VHS but now we have moved to DVD we decided to re-purchase. AT little over £3 it cost a third of the VHS price (15 years ago). Read more
Published 11 months ago by Paul of London
2.0 out of 5 stars Great film, disappointing picture
Basically, this is a great film, very underrated. However, viewing pleasure is somewhat spoiled by the letter box format. Read more
Published 12 months ago by David542
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful film.
I first saw this film when I was about 15 at the cinema. I watched it again recently and once again it moved me to tears. It's an amazing film. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Lhlhht
5.0 out of 5 stars Freedom is worth pursuing
Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline are two actors I will watch without knowing too much about the film beforehand. Read more
Published 17 months ago by RR Waller
5.0 out of 5 stars great!
The item arrived exactly on time and it was in perfect condition, exactly as it said on the tin. marvellous! terrific. super. fantastic. brilliant. wonderful.
Published 20 months ago by charlie
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