Bopha!

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62%

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User Ratings: 1,285

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Movie Info

This 1993 film adaptation of Percy Mtwa's South African play +Bopha was rendered anachronistic by late-breaking events, though it still contains plenty of food for thought. Danny Glover stars as a black police officer in the waning days of apartheid. Though dedicated to his job, Glover has mixed feelings concerning his loyalty to the white status quo. His self-doubt is further intensified by the rabidly racist remarks of his new superior, Malcolm McDowell. Making things even more difficult for Glover is the increasing radicalization of his own son (Maynard Eziachi). Percy Mtwa's "never forgive, never foreget" subtext will be unsettling for some viewers-just as it was intended to be. Alfre Woodard, who previously played Winnie to Danny Glover's Nelson in the 1987 TV biopic Mandela, is again cast as Glover's wife. Bopha was coproduced by talkshow host Arsenio Hall, and directed by Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman.

Rating:

PG-13
Genre:

Drama
Directed By:

Morgan Freeman
Written By:

John Wierick, Brian Bird
In Theaters:

Sep 24, 1993 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Feb 1, 2005
Runtime:

122 minutes
Studio:

Paramount Pictures

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Cast

Danny Glover
as Micah Mangena

Alfre Woodard
as Rosie Mangena

Malcolm McDowell
as De Villiers

Maynard Eziashi
as Zweli Mangena

Marius Weyers
as Van Tonder

Malick Bowens
as Pule Rampa

Michael Chinyamurindi
as Solomon

Christopher John Hall
as Machikano

Grace Mahlaba
as Thokozile Machikano

Robin Smith
as Reteif

Leo Davis

Julie Strijdom
as Lucy Van Tonder

Peter Kampila
as Nonsizi

Sello Maake Ka-Ncube
as Magubane

Eric Miyeni
as Bantebe

Tshepo Nzimande
as Mandla

Wilfred Tongarepi
as Nkeala

Innocent Ngavaira
as Samuel

Gavin Mey
as White Policeman 1

Stan Leih
as White Policeman 2

Joseph Munyama
as Black Policeman 1

Zilla Mamansi
as Teacher

Gift Burnett
as Philomen

Ackim Mwale
as Priest

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Critic Reviews for Bopha!

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (7)

A handsomely crafted, potently played drama that brings the issue of apartheid down to a visceral human dimension.

Mar 26, 2009

Leonard Klady
Variety
Top Critic
Involving and complex ...

Feb 9, 2006 | Full Review…

Trevor Johnston
Time Out
Top Critic
A big, angry, extremely well-acted movie about the powder keg labeled South Africa.

May 20, 2003

Vincent Canby
New York Times
Top Critic
The result is a surprisingly powerful, insightful film. The dramatic curve of the narrative may not seem entirely fresh, and some of the characters are simplistic, but the movie still gets to you.

Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

Hal Hinson
Washington Post
Top Critic
The movie may carry all the right sentiments, but it's essentially a secondhand achievement, a politically correct rehashing of better work.

Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…

Desson Thomson
Washington Post
Top Critic
Inteligente e sensível, Bopha traz uma performance marcante de Glover e é dirigido com segurança por Morgan Freeman - que deveria trabalhar mais atrás das câmeras.

Feb 27, 2004 | Rating: 4/5

Pablo Villaça
Cinema em Cena