A South African preacher goes to search for his wayward son, who has committed a crime in the big city.
Director:
Darrell Roodt (as Darrell James Roodt)
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Title: Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)
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1 win & 4 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| James Earl Jones | ... | Rev. Stephen Kumalo | |
| Richard Harris | ... | James Jarvis | |
| Vusi Kunene | ... | Theophilus Msimangu | |
| Charles S. Dutton | ... | John Kumalo | |
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Tsholofelo Wechoemang | ... | Child |
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Dolly Rathebe | ... | Mrs. Kumalo |
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Ramolao Makhene | ... | Mpanza |
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Jack Robinson | ... | Ian Jarvis |
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Jennifer Steyn | ... | Mary Jarvis |
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Patrick Ndlovu | ... | Man 1 |
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Darlington Michaels | ... | Man 2 |
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King Twala | ... | Man 3 |
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Somizi Mhlongo | ... | Young Thief |
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Sam Ngakane | ... | Mafolo |
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John Whiteley | ... | Father Vincent |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
South African church minister Steven Kumalo is summoned from his village to Johannesburg. There he finds that his son Absolom has been jailed in connection with a robbery in which a white man was killed. The father of the white man, James Jarvis, is a supporter of apartheid, the separation of the races which is the law of South Africa. When they encounter each other, both Kumalo and Jarvis come to unexpected realizations not only about their sons, but about the nature of their own humanity. Written by Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>
Taglines:
Divided by injustice. Two men unite.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for emotional thematic elements and brief language | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Rev Stephen Kumalo: "Truth"? But how can he have truth on his side and not God?
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Music by Enya
Lyrics by Roma Ryan
Performed by Enya
Produced by Nicky Ryan
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The first feature film shot on-location in post-Apartheid South Africa, after Nelson Mandela was elected President in 1994. Composer John Barry dedicated the score to Mandela in the end credits. See more »Quotes
Theophilus Msimangu: But he has some truth on his side.Rev Stephen Kumalo: "Truth"? But how can he have truth on his side and not God?
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Soundtracks
ExileMusic by Enya
Lyrics by Roma Ryan
Performed by Enya
Produced by Nicky Ryan
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
15 December 1995 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Cry, the Beloved Country See more »Edit
Box Office
Gross USA:
$670,727Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$670,727Company Credits
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IMDbPro »
What makes this film so good, is that it deals with the issues of Apartheid in a sensitive, and moving way. There is no overt message of hatred, but shows rather how lives both black and white are affected by division and hatred. The words of Jarvis's dead son are incredibly powerful, significant, even to this day. I grew up in Natal, and lived in Johannesburg, and experienced the evils of Apartheid. Yes, the film is in a way too soft in this regard, but this is not what the film is about. James Earl Jones's depiction of an African Cleric in this time period is amazingly accurate. I had tears in my eyes watching his performance. Harris too shines. This is a movie for today, and is as relevant now, as it was 50 years ago. Must see viewing.