Bopha! (1993)

In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist ... See full summary »

Director:

Morgan Freeman

Writers:

Percy Mtwa (play), Brian Bird (screenplay),

Stars:

Danny Glover, Malcolm McDowell, Alfre Woodard

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Danny Glover	...	Micah Mangena
Malcolm McDowell	...	De Villiers
Alfre Woodard	...	Rosie Mangena
Marius Weyers	...	Van Tonder
Maynard Eziashi	...	Zweli Mangena
Malick Bowens	...	Pule Rampa
Michael Chinyamurindi	...	Solomon
Christopher John Hall	...	Naledi Machikano
Grace Mahlaba	...	Thokozile Machikano
Robin Smith	...	Retleif
Julie Strijdom	...	Lucy Van Tonder (as Julie Stridom)
Peter Kampila	...	Nonsizt
Sello Maake	...	Magubane (as Sello Maake Ka-Ncube)
Eric Miyeni	...	Bantebe
Tshepo Nzimande	...	Mandla

Storyline

In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family (including long-suffering wife Alfre Woodard) and what he believes is his duty.

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Plot Keywords:

apartheid | racism | directorial debut | independent film | based on play

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and apartheid-driven violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 September 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

Bopha

Filming Locations:

Goromonzi, Zimbabwe

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$212,483 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arsenio Hall Communications, Taubman Entertainment Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Searching for Debra Winger (2002)

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Soundtracks

"NO MONEY NO LIFE"
Written by Cosmos Chidumule
Performed by Remmy Ongala and Orchestre Super Matimila
Courtesy of Realworld Records, Ltd./Virgin Records America, Inc.

User Reviews

Just a fine film...

Bopha! is just a fine film with stellar acting. Once again Danny Glover delivers a great performance the worthy of Oscar or Golden Globe and he just doesn't get it. The struggle of one man's fight to be true to his native land or to the ruling establishment is poignantly portrayed. Alfre Woodard and Malcolm McDowell turn in good performances also.