7.4
Where can I stream Cry Freedom legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Cry Freedom
1987·Movie
Cry Freedom fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle6
- Violence6
Heart
Deeply moving and cathartic
- Pathos9
- Catharsis8
- Melancholy7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody3
- Dark Humor2
World
A real life story, society, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Cry Freedom is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence6Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and cathartic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, cathartic, and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumA real life story, society, and history
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, society, and history. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The true story of the friendship that shook South Africa and awakened the world.
A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
Apartheid EraBiographical DramaSocial JusticePolitical IntrigueHistorical AccountFriendshipStruggle Against OppressionSouth Africa
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Titles like Cry Freedom
nearer = more alike
8
You are here: Cry Freedom
Tap a poster to move
You are herePreview
vscompared with Cry Freedom
Cry Freedom1987
Point at a poster to compare itHold a poster to compare it
This pageTap it to move here
A chip fills to its level. Tap a full one for titles without that trait, a low one for titles with it.
Open a page:Catch a Fire (2006)Satluj (2026)Minamata (2020)Bheed (2023)Concussion (2015)Show Me a Hero (2015)Five Minutes of Heaven (2009)Amistad (1997)22 July (2018)The Dissident (2020)The Edge of Democracy (2019)Carandiru (2003)Rosewater (2014)The Last Full Measure (2019)And the Band Played On (1993)The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2013)Born on the Fourth of July (1989)Soorarai Pottru (2020)Neerja (2016)The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)The Hurricane (1999)Munich (2005)Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)Five Days at Memorial (2022)The Whistleblower (2010)Article 370 (2024)I Am Not Your Negro (2017)Cabrini (2024)United 93 (2006)The Tattooist of Auschwitz (2024)All the Way (2016)Argo (2012)Julia (1977)Amen. (2002)The Year of Living Dangerously (1982)Marshall (2017)Suffragette (2015)On the Basis of Sex (2018)Denial (2016)Che: Part One (2008)Che: Part Two (2008)The Salt of the Earth (2014)Stockholm (2019)The Conspirator (2011)The Life of Emile Zola (1937)The Counterfeiters (2007)The Looming Tower (2018)The Photographer of Mauthausen (2018)Unorthodox (2020)Z (1969)What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)Just Mercy (2019)Woman in Gold (2015)Reds (1981)Mr. Jones (2019)In the Name of the Father (1993)Mosul (2019)Never Look Away (2018)Glory (1989)One Night in Miami... (2020)Europa Europa (1990)The Round Up (2010)Truth (2015)A Twelve-Year Night (2018)
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Cry Freedom
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Cry Freedom worth watching?
70
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 70/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 73%, and Metacritic 59). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Cry Freedom rated?
PGViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Cry Freedom?
2 h 37 min
Cry Freedom runs 2 h 37 min.
Is Cry Freedom based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Cry Freedom?
Critics66
Audiences76
Not quite. Audiences rate Cry Freedom higher (76) than critics (66). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
Was Cry Freedom a box office hit?
Budget$29 million
Box office$26 million
No. It cost about $29 million to make and earned $26 million worldwide, 89% of its budget.
What language is Cry Freedom in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.
In how many countries can I watch Cry Freedom?
72
+58
+58GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Cry Freedom in 72 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Cry Freedom use?
Amoral AfrikanerAtrocity MontageBitch in Sheep's ClothingThe Coroner Doth Protest Too MuchPolice StateMighty WhiteyPunch-Clock VillainWould Hurt a ChildWell-Intentioned ExtremistHistorical Beauty UpdateState SecCrapsack Worldand 4 more
TV Tropes lists 16 storytelling tropes for Cry Freedom, including Amoral Afrikaner, Atrocity Montage, Bitch in Sheep's Clothing.