Directed by Zoltan Korda and written by Alan Paton and John Howard Lawson, in the back country of South Africa, black minister Stephen Kumalo journeys to the city to search for his missing son, only to find his people living in squalor and his son a criminal. Reverend Msimangu is a young South African clergyman who helps find his missing son-turned-thief and sister-turned-prostitute in the slums of Johannesburg. Starring: Canada Lee, Charles Carson, Sidney Poitier, Joyce Carey, Geoffrey Keen, Vivien Clinton, Michael Goodliffe, Albertina Temba, Edric Connor and Lionel Ngakane.
One of the things that’s intriguing about Cry, the Beloved Country is that while like many classic films today, it warns you of its outdated views, the racism and prejudice actually feel like a reasonable, if slightly lightened interpretation. It’s rampant throughout the film but dealt with surprisingly delicately, it’s translated into this winding, sombre discussion. Traversing through tradition versus progress, separatism, injustice and how sometimes only a tragedy can break through institutionalised hate.
The dialogue is graceful and eloquent, mixed with a thoughtful directorial style from Zoltan Korda. However, the progression is fairly slow and it does play down the outrage and hatred, leaving it with an even tone throughout. Although the restoration work certainly does wonders for that deep presence, the heightened detail and texture enhance the atmosphere. There’s a charge to it, a classic dramatic feel but it misses out on truly grabbing the topic with both hands and throwing a bigger punch.
Although the performances certainly aren’t pulling their punches, Canada Lee as Stephen Kumalois exceptional. You can intensely feel his struggle, the burden of all this world-shattering information that’s being constantly showered down on him. He does a great job of communicating how that struggle also effects his faith and his beliefs when it comes to their community and traditions. Sidney Poitier is always a welcome presence, even in this conflict heavy feature, he still brings that effortless charm. There’s one scene in particular towards the end where he plays the sharpest note that the film has to offer.
Cry, the Beloved Country is a refined and pensive exploration of racism and the slow movement of progression. It may play things too softly at times and move slowly but it holds a meaningful tone and chooses its words with care. The whole cast are terrific but Canada Lee and Sidney Poitier make for a powerhouse of a team.
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