X
  • 1995
  • PG-13
  • Miramax
  • 1 h 46 m
  • 1995
  • PG-13
  • Miramax
  • 1 h 46 m

Summary In a land torn by hatred and injustice, two fathers -- one a man of peace, the other a man of power and privilege -- whose lives seem destined for a violent collision. But instead, in the wake of a tragic killing, these extraordinary men form an unlikely union and together find the kind of understanding that could heal a nation. (BV Ent...

Directed By: Darrell Roodt

Written By: Ronald Harwood, Alan Paton

  • 1995
  • PG-13
  • Miramax
  • 1 h 46 m
  • 1995
  • PG-13
  • Miramax
  • 1 h 46 m

Cry, the Beloved Country

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 14 Critic Reviews
71
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Summary In a land torn by hatred and injustice, two fathers -- one a man of peace, the other a man of power and privilege -- whose lives seem destined for a violent collision. But instead, in the wake of a tragic killing, these extraordinary men form an unlikely union and together find the kind of understanding that could heal a nation. (BV Ent...

Directed By: Darrell Roodt

Written By: Ronald Harwood, Alan Paton

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 14 Critic Reviews
71
86% Positive
12 Reviews
14% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 14 Critic Reviews
71
86% Positive
12 Reviews
14% Mixed
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
James Earl Jones and Richard Harris both gave heartbreaking, virtuoso performances as fathers who find a special bond in this subtle, flawlessly acted, immensely powerful new film version of Alan Paton's classic novel of South Africa. [29 Dec 1995, p. 3]
FULL REVIEW
100
There is not a false note in Cry, the Beloved Country. Every scene is an example of near-perfect composition and execution.
By James Berardinelli FULL REVIEW
80
Because movies have become so invested in the unleashing of violent emotion and the escalation of hostility, that expressions of restraint, reconciliation and forgiveness can easily be read as corny cop-outs. Cry, the Beloved Country is not corny, and it doesn't cop out.
By Stephen Holden FULL REVIEW
70
A richly realized piece of Masterpiece Literature, director Darrell James Roodt's Cry, the Beloved Country has an admirable high polish. But more effort could have been made to address its underlying message and provide an emotional punch to equal the book's resonance.
By Leonard Klady FULL REVIEW
70
Fortunately, in image and structure Roodt and Harwood go for a steadfast simplicity that builds to a beautiful moment of rekindled faith for the grieving Rev. Kumalo that lifts Cry, the Beloved Country to a climactic moment of redemption.
By Kevin Thomas FULL REVIEW
63
We go expecting to be inspired and uplifted, and we leave somewhat satisfied in those areas, but with reluctant questions about how well the story has aged, and how relevant it is today.
By Roger Ebert FULL REVIEW
50
There isn't much to hold onto with this movie. If anything, Cry trivializes the plight of the South Africans in its breezy treatment of apartheid.
By Barbara Shulgasser FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Alpine Pty Limited, Distant Horizon, Miramax, Videovision Entertainment
Release Date Dec 15, 1995
Duration 1 h 46 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline Divided by injustice. Two men unite.
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Awards

Image Awards (NAACP)
• 3 Nominations
Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Screen Actors Guild Awards
• 1 Nomination

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