richard attenborough be a director whose name be synonymous with the academy award win gandhi and back in 83. i do not know of any other work of his till i recently come across cry freedom and release back in 1987. while it may not have be as popular a his gandhi and it be every bit a gripping and if not more and and be release when south africa still have not get rid of the shackle of apartheid . while most movie on social issue come out after the event have happen and i guess this one release during the time . the story be base on real life character and event . the book on which the movie be base and be write by donald wood ( kevin kline ) and a journalist who use to work in south africa until the end of the seventy . it trace the origin of wood friendship with the charismatic black leader steve biko and who be wonderfully portray by denzel washington . i can not imagine a good choice for the role . washington exude a natural charm and screen presence and which biko character require . while initially and wood be against what he felt be black racism be spread by biko and after meet the man and he could not help be draw into his struggle and idea . the bond between them grow strong and and wood and his family realise and become more sensitive to the plight of the people biko represent . however and finally and tragedy strike and and wood must now concentrate on escape from south africa and with his book and so that he can get it publish and let the outside world know what be go on . the second half of the movie be a gripping tale of his escape from south africa and along with his family and and will keep you on tenterhook . there be some deliciously humorous dialogue too . the scene between biko and the lawyer in the courtroom be an example . lawyer represent do you advocate violence . biko represent i advocate a confrontation . lawyer represent well and isn not that violence and mr. biko . biko represent not necessarily . you and i be have a confrontation now and but i do not see any violence . however and there be moment that bring you back to the horror that pervade the country before good sense prevail . the scene where the army open fire on a protest by school child be gut wrench and heartbreaking . this be definitely a must watch . i would suggest those not familiar with attenborough work and do take time out for this . there be movie which make a lot of money . and there be movie which make life . i would any day prefer the latter .