Bopha! (1993)
In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family and what he believes is his duty.
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Just perfect...
How sad is this?
Don't Believe the Hype
Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.
In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family (including long-suffering wife Alfre Woodard) and what he believes is his duty. Danny Glover and Alfre Woodard give 2 powerful and moving perfomances in Bopha! and Malcom McDowell is excellent as the "villain" of the movie. Now where the film misses the mark it's within it's pacing which drags sometimes and an ending that was ridiculous and awful that didn't even bother explaining some things, Morgan Freeman's direction is sharp and well made and for the most part the film is watchable but it had potential for more. (6.5/10)
Morgan Freeman directs a wonderful landscape of struggle, oppression and revolt in this film. Danny Glover and the rest of the cast bring this vivid era in South Africa to life. There is no ambiguity here. Nor is there an easy resolution that comes to mind. Watching a film like this from a middle class couch in North America, I am filled not only with awe but a significant discomfort. One knows that time and sacrifice are about the only options available. This isn't simply hindsight. It's the message of the film. Bravo!
Incredible tension from a fevered conflict of races, generations, and police-and-citizens. Morgan Freeman proves himself a great director: the acting from the cast is flawless and strong, and some of the camera set-ups are indelible. There's a short shot where an armored car is roaring toward a phone pole, behind which Alfre Woodward is crouching in terror, that is truly magnificent! Hollywood often ignores superb directorial talent: Charles Laughton only directed one film, Orson Welles had a hell of a time. Yet there are so many mediocre films which lose money! Somebody please jam a good script into Mr. Freeman's hand and stick him behind a camera!
Bopha! is surprisingly quite a memorable and inspiring film about the troubled years in South Africa. One of my favorite actors, Malcolm McDowell was as ever brilliant playing the evil policeman. The problem is that I and many others are used to seeing McDowell as an anti-hero and by casting him as such a nasty role as he plays in this film, you do not feel as shocked and disgusted by his actions as you should do.