Cry Freedom (1987)

 Cry Freedom (1987)

Richard Attenborough, the director behind A Bridge Too Far and Gandhi returns with the fact-based story, Cry Freedom. I had initial reservations because it just seemed like it was one of those “white savior” movies that contemporary audiences came to detest. There are some elements of that here, mainly the story’s POV (from the eyes of white liberal publisher Donald Woods), but the film manages to arrive above that because it tells a simple yet powerful story about apartheid. This story tells how important Steve Biko was to the black folks of Africa struggling to find civil rights. In a way, this movie goes hand-in-hand with the events of today; police brutality or turning a blind eye to basic human rights and how white privilege dominates society. All Steve Biko wanted is for black people to have the same, equal rights as white people. He was seen as radical at the time, but he just wanted his people to be seen the same as everyone else.

This is the kind of project that Richard Attenborough likes to work with. Five years prior, he created a vast, sprawling portrait about Mahatma Gandhi. He took that sensitive, humanist approach and applied it to the film, which details the valuable friendship between Steve Biko and Donald Woods. John Briley is credited with the screenplay, and it is an excellent screenplay. The first half is the very best as he really became invested in his characters. With Biko murdered halfway through, the final half is about Woods’s exodus from South Africa. While still very good, it became more conventional as the film molded into a thriller. Attenborough did receive some controversy because he filmed in Zimbabwe, which was going through its own turmoil at the time. He filmed in a country that was going through its own genocide, but the director later mentioned in his autobiography that he was unaware of anything at the time.

Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) is a liberal journalist working for a newspaper called “The Daily Dispatch.” He wrote some scathing editorials about civil rights activist, Steve Biko (Denzel Washington). Biko sends a messenger to Woods mentioning he would like to have a conversation and Woods agree. After they meet, they quickly become friends. Woods begins to agree with Biko’s ideas and realize he is not truly a “radical” after all. With Biko being in all sorts of trouble with the police, Woods is also being watched. The authorities try to lessen the impact of Biko by only allowing one person to meet with him at a time. Biko does not listen which leads to his murder. Woods decides to write a book about Biko but in order to make sure it is published, he needs to leave the country before the authorities catch him.

The film works in part due to its two leads. Denzel Washington first made an impression on the public with his small role in A Soldier’s Story. He earned an Academy Award nomination with his subtle, but powerful performance. Since his character was killed in the middle, I could have used more of the actor’s charisma. He doesn’t shake you with emotions, but instead with words. His words will have a profound effect. Kevin Kline is no slouch either. I really bought into his change of heart and friendship with Biko. Even though the latter half follows a more conventional route, Kline was able to make it work (even if dressed as a Catholic priest trying to evade the border guards).

Cry Freedom may not be Attenborough’s best film, but it still is a really powerful effort that packs a few heavy punches. He was successful drawing parallels to the living conditions of the oppressed. Even workers being paid wages act like they are slaves. And the white man lives in these nice condos or have these fancy jobs. You have heard about this before, but it does not make it even less powerful. The music adds to the film’s power. The song “Cry Freedom” is meant to break your heart. Although the final part of the film follows a familiar path, Denzel Washington and Kevin Kline shine in an important, relevant story. The film is a little long, so be prepared for that.

My Grade: B+