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A World Apart

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A World Apart

PG

1988

1h 53m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

80%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Molly (Jodhi May), a white teenage girl living in Johannesburg during the 1960s, finds her life turned upside down when her leftist parents become targets of the pro-apartheid South African government. Molly's father, Gus (Jeroen Krabbé), is forced into exile, but her mother, Diana (Barbara Hershey), continues her activism. As her family's reputation leaves her shunned by fellow Caucasian peers, Molly grows closer to her mother and begins to understand the anti-apartheid cause.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

It is strong, angry and troubling.

Rated: 4/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Pam Mitchell

Sojourner

Has anyone ever captured that delicate tightrope walk between child and adult as poignantly and delicately as Jodhi May does in her characterization of Molly in this film?

Sep 3, 2019

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Kathi Maio

Sojourner

Admirable politics, presented in a complex and sensitive manner, is certainly reason enough to recommend A World Apart. But much of the power of this film lies in the fact that it is visually stunning.

Aug 30, 2019

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Hilary Mantel

The Spectator

It is an honest and intelligent piece of work, and its thrust is humane, not doctrinaire.

Aug 10, 2018

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Sean Axmaker

Turner Classic Movies Online

... there is a strong social consciousness and political content, but [Chris] Menges also brings a subdued dramatic atmosphere and rich visual sensibility to the film...

Dec 6, 2009

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Chuck O'Leary

FulvueDrive-in.com

Rated: 2/5

May 7, 2007

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Lovely P

The cinematography and acting in this film are both excellent, and the overall message of this film is one of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The fact that this is based on real events adds to its impact and emotional resonance. This film serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of the individuals who fought for justice and equality in South Africa. It's not an easy film to watch, but it's certainly one that is worth the experience

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/18/23

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Audience Member

This film had a powerful effect on my social conscience and fuelled my hatred of apartheid where ever it was. Equality for all.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

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Audience Member

(****): Thumbs Up A powerful and compelling film. Well-acted and directed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

There is a strong social consciousness and political content, but Menges also brings a subdued and personal dramatic atmosphere and rich visual sensibility to the film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I felt moved by the families plight. This movie (which is based on a true person)was interesting, since it mostly took the view of the daughter of a activist and ethical fighter. It is not often that you are given a chance to feel what it is like to often feel like you are second place to an ideal and fight (as in apartheid). I would give this a 3 1/2. I would like to have felt more at times but it was an interesting journey.[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/smilies/wink.gif[/img]

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

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Audience Member

The story, the acting, the politics are all interesting but for some reason the movie could not hold my interest for very long. It's an important story to be told though.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Chris Menges

Director

Barbara Hershey

Diana Roth

Jodhi May

Molly Roth

David Suchet

Muller

Jeroen Krabbé

Gus Roth

Paul Freeman

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Synopsis

Molly (Jodhi May), a white teenage girl living in Johannesburg during the 1960s, finds her life turned upside down when her leftist parents become targets of the pro-apartheid South African government. Molly's father, Gus (Jeroen Krabbé), is forced into exile, but her mother, Diana (Barbara Hershey), continues her activism. As her family's reputation leaves her shunned by fellow Caucasian peers, Molly grows closer to her mother and begins to understand the anti-apartheid cause.

Director: Chris Menges
Producer: Sarah Radclyffe
Screenwriter: Shawn Slovo
Production Co: Working Title Films
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Aug 23, 2005
Box Office (Gross USA): $557.2K
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Surround