Cry, the Beloved Country (1995)

Stodgy as a drama and too messy to be a message movie, Darrell James
Roodt's 1995 adaptation of the 1946 anti-apartheid novel (by Alan
Paton) still packs one Zulu of an emotional wallop.  The story is
the journey of a black Anglican priest (James Earl Jones), who
travels from the safety of his rural home to the heartaches of
darkest Johannesburg.  There, plot complications force a bond with a
wealthy white landowner (Richard Harris) who has his *own* opinions
about brotherhood.  Yawn.  The best reason to visit this BELOVED
COUNTRY is to savor Mr. Jones.  He gives a vulnerable performance of
staggering, almost terrifying proportions.  By the tragic end of
this tragically pokey movie, the proximity of a hankie becomes
infinitely more important than any message about mankind.  Honk if
you like this movie.  (Rated "PG-13"/108 min.)

Grade: B

Copyright 1996 by Michael J. Legeros                                        

Originally posted to triangle.movies