Cry Freedom

A slowly flowing, classically constructed drama about a crisis in one country and two strong characters who rebelled against the times, the conditions, and the prevailing power. Richard Attenborough represents undeniable quality, although somewhat conservative, and we don't get any dynamic or innovative filmmaking from him. But from his filmography, I prefer Cry Freedom the most, and I give it preference over the much more famous Gandhi, where too much respect for an international celebrity and the value hierarchy that he represented is shown. The courage of the heroes in Cry Freedom is unpretentious, civilian, and they are simply not textbook characters, but flesh and blood people. From today's viewer's perspective, the film can be criticized for possibly overly long duration and unhurried pace, but the story of the escape from South Africa still has plenty of strong moments. I can imagine several filmmakers who could have made the most of the story much more effectively and played with the emotions and tension of the audience much stronger, but I like that Attenborough didn't push too hard. I am adding half a star for the theme. Overall impression: 90%. (13/01/2010)