Is Cry Freedom Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Cry Freedom is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 157 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Cry Freedom Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Cry Freedom emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Unlike standard genre fare, Cry Freedom attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cry Freedom features a noteworthy lineup led by Kevin Kline . Supported by the likes of Denzel Washington and Penelope Wilton , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Cry Freedom (1987) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Cry Freedom Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Cry Freedom is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Cry Freedom Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Cry Freedom resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cry Freedom reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Cry Freedom Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Cry Freedom uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Cry Freedom adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Cry Freedom?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Cry Freedom Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $29.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $25.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cry Freedom Budget
The estimated production budget for Cry Freedom is $29.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Cry Freedom
- Kevin Kline – Donald Woods
- Denzel Washington – Steve Biko
- Penelope Wilton – Wendy Woods
- Kate Hardie – Jane Woods
- John Matshikiza – Mapetla
Top Highlights
Kevin KlineDonald Woods
Denzel WashingtonSteve Biko
Penelope WiltonWendy Woods
Kate HardieJane Woods
John MatshikizaMapetla
Zakes MokaeFather Kani
John ThawKruger
Kevin McNallyKen
John HargreavesBruce
Juanita WatermanNtsiki Biko
Where to Watch Cry Freedom Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeParents Guide & Age Rating
Cry Freedom is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Cry Freedom stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cry Freedom movie hit or flop?
Cry Freedom is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Cry Freedom worth watching?
Yes, Cry Freedom is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch Cry Freedom online?
Cry Freedom may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Cry Freedom
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
