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Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)

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Average Rating: 7.2/10
Reviews Counted: 13
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 3

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.5/5
User Ratings: 2,111

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Movie Info

Alan Paton's classic novel about two fathers coming to terms with personal loss and the emotional scars inflicted on South Africa during the era of apartheid was brought to the screen for a second time with this adaptation, the first major film produced in South Africa after Nelson Mandela's election ended mandatory white rule in that nation. Rev. Stephen Kumalo (James Earl Jones) is a minister from a poverty-stricken farming community who travels to Johannesburg for the first time in search of

PG-13, 1 hr. 51 min.

Drama

Directed By: Darrell Roodt

In Theaters: Dec 15, 1995 Wide

On DVD: Jul 1, 2003

Miramax

Cast

James Earl Jones
Father Stephen Kumalo
Richard Harris
James Jarvis
Vusi Kunene
Father Msimangu
Leleti Khumalo
Katie
Charles S. Dutton
John Kumalo
Eric Miyeni
Absalom Kumalo
Jsepo Gugusha
Gertrude's Child
Ian Roberts
Evans
Robert Whitehead
Carmichael
Greg Latter
Prosecutor
Dambisa Kente
Gertrude
Ian Robers
Reform Official
Dolly Rathebe
Leleti Kumalo

Critic Reviews for Cry, the Beloved Country

All Critics (23) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (3) | DVD (1)

Especially heart-rending thanks to superb performances by James Earl Jones and Richard Harris.

January 1, 2000 Comment (1)

Tom Green

USA Today

Top Critic

A beautiful piece of work.

August 7, 2004 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com

| Comment

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

An eloquent and moving screen interpretation of Alan Paton's classic 1948 novel set in South Africa and dealing with the transforming power of forgiveness.

August 21, 2002 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

| Comment

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

Oddly memorable.

June 17, 2001 Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com

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Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Cry, the Beloved Country

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We had to watch this movie in one of my classes, it's another story about apartheid. So, if you're interested in the subject, it's not that bad. If you're just looking for a drama or an enjoyable film, you may be disappointed. Overall, this movie is just okay.

September 14, 2010

AJ Verser

Super Reviewer

This beautiful film takes place in Africa during the Apartheid when the lines of separation were so clearly drawn between black and white. The main characters are a black priest and a white upperclass gentleman who's son is accidentally killed by the former's son in Johannesburg. The priest's faith is deeply explored

April 29, 2007