A World Apart Movie Review 1988

Cinematographer Menges' first directoral effort is a blistering, insightful drama told from the point of view of a 13-year-old white girl living in South Africa, oblivious to apartheid until her crusading journalist mother is arrested under the 90-Day Detention Act, under which she might remain in prison permanently. Political morality tale is also a look at the family-vs-cause choices activists must make. Heavily lauded, with good reason; the autobiographical script is based on Slovo's parents, persecuted South African journalists Joe Slovo and Ruth First.

Distribution

Available on VHS
Running time 114 minutes.
Originally from British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Front Page, Family Ties, Childhood Visions, Africa, Apartheid, True Stories

Screenplay

Shawn Slovo

Cast

Barbara Hershey, Jodhi May, Linda Mvusi, David Suchet, Jeroen Krabbe, Paul Freeman, Tim Roth, Jude Akuwidike, Albee Lesotho

Cinematography

Peter Biziou

Director

Chris Menges

Music

Hans Zimmer

Producer

Atlantic Releasing, British Screen, Working Title Productions

Awards

British Acad. 1988: Orig. Screenplay; Cannes 1988: Actress (Hershey), Actress (May, Mvusi), Grand Jury Prize; N.Y. Film Critics 1988: Director (Menges).