Overview
This is the retelling of the life of South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko as seen through the eyes of his friend, liberal white newspaper editor Donald Woods. Academy Award Nominations: 3, including Best Supporting Actor--Denzel Washington.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Richard Attenborough - Director
Denzel Washington
Kevin Kline
Penelope Wilton
Alec McCowen
Kevin McNally
Ian Richardson
John Thaw
Timothy West
Josette Simon
John Hargreaves
Details
- Format: DVD (Widescreen)
- Run Time: 159
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 025192051623
- Genre: DRAMA
- Rating: PG (MPAA)
- Release Date: February 1999
Movie Reviews
Synopsis:
An epic drama based on the true story of newspaper editor Donald Woods' investigation into the murder of nationalist leader Steven Biko. Mistrustful of each other at first, but joined in their common desire to end apartheid, the black activist and the white liberal overcome their differences to become friends. When Biko is killed by the South African police, Woods demands justice and, as a result, finds himself and his family brutally persecuted by the South African government.
Notes:
Color by Rank; Shot in Panavision on location in Zimbabwe.
Additional cast: Sophie Mgcina (Evalina) and Kevin McNally (Ken).
Steve Biko, a South African political activist, died in police custody after being beaten; South African authorities tried to cover up the circumstances of his death, insisting at first that he had starved himself, and then claiming that he had deliberately injured himself. These assertions were later disproved. Biko was only 30 years old when he died.
Reviews:
"...Impressive....Particularly effective is the integration of cinematography on stunning locations in Zimbabwe and the powerful soundtrack of indigenous music..." - 11/04/1987 Variety
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