Cry Freedom | 'Why Do You Call Yourselves White?'

Denzel Washington plays 1970s black activist Steve Biko in the Apartheid-era drama Cry Freedom—but his profound words carry just as much resonance today.

Buy/Rent Cry Freedom!

Synopsis:
The tension and terror that is present-day South Africa is powerfully portrayed in director Richard Attenborough's sweeping story of black activist Stephen Biko (Denzel Washington) and a liberal white newspaper editor who risks his own life to bring Biko's message to the world. After learning of apartheid's true horrors through Biko's eyes, editor Donald Woods (Kevin Kline) discovers that his friend has been silenced by the police. Determined not to let Biko's message go unheard, Woods undertakes a perilous quest to escape South Africa and bring Biko's remarkable tale of courage to the world. The riveting, true story offers a stirring account of man at his most evil and most heroic.

© 1987 Universal City Studios, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Cast: Kevin Kline, Denzel Washington, Penelope Wilton
Produced By: Richard Attenborough, John Briley, Norman Spencer, Terence A. Clegg
Directed By: Richard Attenborough

[chrisstarrett]

“You and I are now in confrontation. But I see no violence.” - Love that part.

The ‘zel! 🤙🏻

[ooDirtyWorkoo]

Denzel is easily one of the all time greats.

[LPJack]

RIP Steve Biko (December 18, 1946 – September 12, 1977), aged 30
You will be remembered as a legend.

[karimamin]

"You and I are in confrontation but I see no violence"
Words to live by

[sibusisomichaels]

"I'd rather die for an idea that will live than live for an idea that will die"
May the spirit of Steven Bantubonke Biko rest well...

[angelazayn]

As a Black South African Steve Biko has always been my favorite Freedom Fighter. He's legacy lives on today and South Africa will never forget him.

[uriahdudai]

The way he is winning this argument is like the way I win arguments in the shower

[jairojohnson_atl]

If someone is trying to explain why Denzel is one of the greatest actors in the world, just share this video... No words needed.

[mugpush]

Denzel was just shy of his 33rd birthday when this was released, but this performance is just as solid as any of his outstanding work in the decades after....

[darikai]

I see what Chadwick meant when he said there is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.

I feel he channeled Denzels character here into his performance as T challa

[warldorwessarnoelt]

“you and I are in confrontation but I see no violence” . Watching this movie from Trenton, New Jersey, USA. Born in Monrovia, Liberia, AFRICA!

[clarissawestbrook]

In my top ten favorite Denzel Washington's performances and movies that doesn't get nearly enough attention it deserves. He deserved an Oscar for his performance in this role. Even this early in his acting career he was giving us phenomenal performances.

[emmanuelscott]

The tongue is mightier than the sword...a wise man controls his emotions but a fool explodes with vexation

[Minoritynomad]

This is one of his most underrated performances and happens to be my favorite of his work.

[jerryayashar]

As someone who cringes at most of the forced "African" accents in Hollywood movies, I've gotta say, Denzel took this one to church, and rightly so too.

[ayebaremucunguzi]

Am African, and this is the first time an American actor through their accent and demeanor convinced me they were African.

[Dnonlydrkrmx]

I'd never heard of this movie before, but i'm going to watch it now.

[rtoriq]

I remember seeing this movie in high school and being so impacted by it, that I started looking up everything I could about Steven Biko. I need to revisit his history.

[micahgensis]

Denzel is truly one of the greatest actors in the world

[TeeUrm]

The sheer brilliance of the acting in this scene, from all the players, but especially Washington, sent a positive chill through me...