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IMDbPro

Cry Freedom

  • 1987
  • 12
  • 2h 37m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
15K
YOUR RATING
Kevin Kline and Denzel Washington in Cry Freedom (1987)
South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.
Play trailer2:45
2 Videos
17 Photos
EpicBiographyDramaHistory

South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.South African journalist Donald Woods is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, the Black anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko.

  • Director
    • Richard Attenborough
  • Writers
    • Donald Woods
    • John Briley
  • Stars
    • Denzel Washington
    • Kevin Kline
    • Josette Simon
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    15K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Richard Attenborough
    • Writers
      • Donald Woods
      • John Briley
    • Stars
      • Denzel Washington
      • Kevin Kline
      • Josette Simon
    • 65User reviews
    • 26Critic reviews
    • 59Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 3 Oscars
      • 6 wins & 16 nominations total

    Videos2

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:45
    Official Trailer
    Remember Denzel's First Roles?
    Video 3:31
    Remember Denzel's First Roles?
    Remember Denzel's First Roles?
    Video 3:31
    Remember Denzel's First Roles?

    Photos17

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    Top cast99

    Edit
    Denzel Washington
    Denzel Washington
    • Steve Biko
    Kevin Kline
    Kevin Kline
    • Donald Woods
    Josette Simon
    Josette Simon
    • Dr. Ramphele
    • (as Josettesimon-93556)
    Wabei Siyolwe
    • Tenjy
    John Matshikiza
    John Matshikiza
    • Mapetla
    Juanita Waterman
    • Ntsiki Biko
    Evelyn Sithole
    • Nurse at Clinic
    Xoliswa Sithole
    • Nurse at Clinic
    James Coine
    • Young Boy
    Kevin McNally
    Kevin McNally
    • Ken
    Albert Ndinda
    • Alec
    Andrew Whaley
    • Sub-Editor
    Shelley Borkum
    Shelley Borkum
    • Woods' Receptionist
    Penelope Wilton
    Penelope Wilton
    • Wendy Woods
    Kate Hardie
    Kate Hardie
    • Jane Woods
    Graeme Taylor
    • Dillon Woods
    Adam Stuart Walker
    • Duncan Woods
    Hamish Stuart Walker
    • Gavin Woods
    • Director
      • Richard Attenborough
    • Writers
      • Donald Woods
      • John Briley
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The filmmakers intended to shoot in South Africa as early as October 1986, with permission from select prominent figures, including Oliver Tambo and Winnie Mandela. After interviewing Mandela, the production crew was placed under surveillance by the South African security police and followed everywhere. They were eventually forced to leave South Africa. Also, the South African Broadcasting Corp. (SABC) deliberately misinterpreted producer/director Richard Attenborough's decision to shoot the movie in October, and instead broadcast the "news" of his starting a revolution sponsored by Russia.
    • Goofs
      Tires screeching on dusty dirt road.
    • Quotes

      State Prosecutor: But your own words demand for DIRECT CONFRONTATION!

      Steve Biko: That's right, we demand confrontation.

      State Prosecutor: Isn't that a demand for violence?

      Steve Biko: Well, you and I are now in confrontation, but I see no violence.

    • Crazy credits
      Preceding the final credits is a list of other detainees who died in the custody of the South African police. Steven Biko's name appears on the list.
    • Alternate versions
      On certain versions, the list of detainees who died in custody (see "Crazy Credits") is followed by a message: "Since the re-imposition of Emergency Regulations on 11th June, 1987, no further information regarding political detainees has been forthcoming."
    • Connections
      Featured in The Eleventh Hour: Biko: Breaking the Silence (1987)
    • Soundtracks
      Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika
      Music by Enoch Sontonga

    User reviews65

    Review
    Review
    Featured review

    I cried! Recommend you rent this movie...

    Cry Freedom was such a touching, unforgettable film. The acting was amazing, and they picked the perfect cast. I watched this at my school last year for the first time, and the first scene made me want to cry! Cry Freedom made me laugh, cry, confused, and made me just want to scream at those people who treated blacks cruelly! I recommend you rent this movie. 10/10
    • smilie_teen
    • Jun 17, 2002
    • Permalink

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    FAQ19

    • How long is Cry Freedom?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 10, 1988 (Netherlands)
    • Countries of origin
      • United Kingdom
      • Zimbabwe
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • Afrikaans
      • Xhosa
      • Zulu
      • Sotho
    • Also known as
      • Schrei nach Freiheit
    • Filming locations
      • Chitungwiza, Harare, Zimbabwe(funeral)
    • Production companies
      • Universal Pictures
      • Marble Arch Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $29,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $5,899,797
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $318,723
      • Nov 8, 1987
    • Gross worldwide
      • $5,899,797
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 37 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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    Kevin Kline and Denzel Washington in Cry Freedom (1987)
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