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James Earl Jones, Richard Harris, Vusi Kunene, Leleti Khumalo, Charles S. Dutton ... see more see more... , Eric Miyeni , Jsepo Gugusha , Ian Roberts , Robert Whitehead , Greg Latter , Dambisa Kente , Ian Robers , Dolly Rathebe , Leleti Kumalo

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 tim... read more read more...e 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 his son Absalom (Eric Miyeni), who moved to the city some time back and has gone missing. Kumalo regards the big city as a den of iniquity, and his low expectations are not betrayed; he is robbed and beaten shortly after he arrives, and when he visits his brother John (Charles S. Dutton), he discovers that Absalom has become a petty thief with a pregnant girlfriend, his sister Gertrude (Dambisa Kente) is a prostitute, and John has renounced his faith in God and advocates the violent overthrow of South Africa's white leadership. James Jarvis (Richard Harris) -- a wealthy white landowner from the same part of the country as Kumalo -- has also arrived in Johannesburg, also with sad personal business to attend to; his son, a well-liked activist for the rights of the city's black majority population, was killed during a robbery. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

67% liked it

2,135 ratings

Critics

77% liked it

13 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 51 min.

Directed by: Darrell Roodt

Release Date: December 15, 1995

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DVD Release Date: July 1, 2003

Stats: 98 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (98)

  • ajv2688
    June 9, 2011
    ajv2688
    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.
  • pasims85
    April 29, 2007
    pasims85
    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... read more. The priest's faith is deeply explored and challenged as he travels through this, his most difficult journey of all. This is a film that should be seen by all.
  • THEHUMANCONDITION
    April 19, 2007
    THEHUMANCONDITION
    Poorly done, but thats 2 b xspected. Its nice 2 c James Earl Jones in an actual acting role rather than a voice role.
  • soylamorsatenmiedo
    June 17, 2006
    soylamorsatenmiedo
    The book is wonderful, and the movie is also quite good. James Earl Jones doesn't look like how I pictured his character in the book, but does a great job.

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Critic Reviews

Tom Green
January 1, 2000
Tom Green, USA Today

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

Michael Dequina
August 7, 2004
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

A beautiful piece of work. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 21, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

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. Full Review

Christopher Null
June 17, 2001
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

Oddly memorable. Full Review

Stephen Holden
August 30, 2004
Stephen Holden, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Kevin Thomas
February 13, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Susan Stark
January 1, 2000
Susan Stark, Detroit News

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

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Joe Baltake
January 1, 2000
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

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