Tony Kgoroge as Petrus Zwane and Sophie Okonedo as Sandra Laing.(elysianfilms.com)
The story has two major themes. One centers on the father and his attachment to his daughter’s racial classification in the eyes of the government. The second is about a young woman who appears to be black and is trying to make it in a white world.
The most painful part of the movie is probably when her father keeps arranging dates for her with white guys who have various agendas for a woman who is smart, beautiful, and appears black. She finally falls in love with a black man and actually has children, and this causes a rift with her father.
I don't want to spoil the whole story, but this is incredibly well acted and painful to watch. Directed by Anthony Fabian and starring Sam Neil and Sophie Okonedo, it offers a completely different view of apartheid. The vantage point of both whites and blacks are shown, regarding this awkward chapter of South Africa’s history. It will resonate long after you have seen the movie. It's terrific.
Dr. Joy Browne is the host of an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio talk show, which airs Monday-Friday, 10 p.m.-midnight, in New York City on the WOR radio network. To read more about her film and theater reviews, please visit www.drjoyreviews.com .
