Critic Rating
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Director
Darrell James Roodt
Cast
James Earl Jones,
Charles S. Dutton,
Jack Robinson,
Tsholofelo Wechoemang
Genre
Drama
Reverend Stephen Kumalo is a Zulu preacher in South Africa. When his son is accused of robbery and murder, Kumalo journeys to Johannesburg, where he is helped by a local priest. He eventually meets the father of the murder victim, who is a prominent white supremacist. However, they discover common ground, and their mutual respect becomes a symbol of apartheid's eventual demise.
San Francisco Chronicle by Peter Stack
Not every moment of the film is as potent as the book (which is noted for passages of passion and impassioned eloquence), but Cry, the Beloved Country overcomes its own limitations to become a glorious tribute to the workings of a faith that does not blind but opens up the human spirit.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
There is not a false note in Cry, the Beloved Country. Every scene is an example of near-perfect composition and execution.
Washington Post
Alan Paton's haunting novel is brought rather splendidly to life in this moving production.
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
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.
USA Today
But this telling of the story filmed on location in the now democratic South Africa is especially heart-rending thanks to superb performances by James Earl Jones and Richard Harris. [1 Jan 2000]
Variety by Leonard Klady
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.
Chicago Reader by Jonathan Rosenbaum
Directed by Darrell Roodt from a screenplay by Ron Harwood, this has a strong sense of dignity about its characters, and Jones and Harris are both effective. Whether it deserves to replace the Korda version is another matter.
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
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.
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
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.
San Francisco Examiner by Barbara Shulgasser
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.
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