Cry Freedom

I know it's a bit soon to be writing again, especially since I'm still sitting pretty in Ottawa, Canada, but I just couldn't resist:

I just finished watching the film "Cry Freedom." I'm not sure how popular or acclaimed this 1987 Attenborough movie was in its time, but I certainly hadn't heard about it until I Googled "South Africa film important." Lame, yes. But don't pretend you wouldn't do the same.

It stars Denzel Washington as Steve Biko, an enormously influential black activist of the 1960s/1970s (and, I'd argue, still today), and Kevin Kline as white SA newspaper editor Donald Woods. I actually should switch the order of those names, because frankly, I was extremely disappointed to see this film almost 'committing' apartheid itself. At nearly 2.5 hours long, the film keeps Biko's story in the background until his untimely killing in prison less than halfway through. It is Woods' tale of escape from South Africa after being clearly pegged a Black Consciousness/Biko supporter that dominates the last hour and a half. I suppose it's only fair that his story is central, because this movie was adapted from Woods' own tell-all book, "Biko." But I couldn't help feeling a bit uncomfortable watching the fleeing of the scared, shivering Woods Family for over an hour, followed by a five-minute scene of the Soweto Uprising of 1976 which led to the deaths of over 700 black students. It is millions of marginalized black South Africans, not a handful of Afrikaaners, who had to face the brunt of the horrendous discrimination of apartheid policies. Why am I crying because the Woods family had to leave their dog behind? I was angry that my ever-present movie tears were a bit displaced, but I felt like I had been manipulated to feel this way by the film, and not my own heart. (There were still full-on sobs during the Uprising scene. Sorry, people upstairs!)

At the same time, I figure that "Cry Freedom" was aimed at a Western audience, and following Woods' point of view allows that audience to simultaneously experience his 'enlightenment.' I thought the film definitely achieved that effect. I also thought the depiction of Biko was beautiful, and certainly Woods' book and lifelong commitment to ending apartheid show what a truly selfless, committed and passionate man he was. Overall, the film was extremely moving, and it has definitely reinvigorated my desire to do more 4-am reading! However, it also reinforces my need to constantly be critical of films, books, news articles, and any passing statements about the country's history. Yes, I know: It's not a new idea, but it can be tough to make it a habit when it's SO much easier to accept the 'facts' at face value.

But what's the fun in that?

Seriously, though, I'd check out this movie. It's pretty entertaining at worst, enlightening and thought-provoking at best :)

Until next time! (Next time will not be tomorrow, I swear.)