A touching story of two fathers and two sons from different racial backgrounds. A film about how the death of one of the sons unexpectedly brings light into his father’s life, despite the tragic and paradoxical circumstances surrounding his death.

Reverend Steven Kumalo sets out on a journey from his South African village to the city of Johannesburg. He seeks out his sister because he finds out that she is working as a prostitute. With her consent, he manages to take her away to start a new life.

At that time, however, his black son Absalom commits murder. He kills a young white man who, paradoxically, fights for black people and their rights. As soon as he is caught, he confesses that he fired the gun out of fear, not with the intention of killing in cold blood.

The white man’s father is James Jarvis, a wealthy white farmer and supporter of apartheid—the separation of races, which was widespread in South Africa at the time. Through the death of his son Arthur and his letters, he undergoes a transformation of his heart and mind.

Parents Guide: A brief shot of a couple embracing. A conversation about a prostitute. A visit to a brothel with prostitutes. One perverse reference to enjoying oneself. The reverend’s son is to have a child with a girl he is not married to. The son is guilty of murder. An indication of execution by hanging. Use of the word “whore.” One instance of the swear word “bastards.” One instance of the reverend’s son smoking a cigarette in prison, but this was probably a time when there was not yet sufficient awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. A few instances of racist remarks. One instance of refusing to shake hands with a black man.

Cast: Richard Harris, James Earl Jones, John Whiteley, Charles S. Dutton, Ron Smerczak, Leleti Khumalo, Graham Armitage, Greg Latter, Vusi Kunene, Abigail Kubeka

Crew: Darrel Roodt

South Africa / USA, 1995

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