Bopha! (1993)

TOMATOMETER

80%
86%

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

62%

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Movie Info

This 1993 film adaptation of Percy Mtwa's South African play +Bopha was rendered anachronistic by late-breaking events, though it still contains plenty of food for thought. Danny Glover stars as a black police officer in the waning days of apartheid. Though dedicated to his job, Glover has mixed feelings concerning his loyalty to the white status quo. His self-doubt is further intensified by the rabidly racist remarks of his new superior, Malcolm McDowell. Making things even more difficult for Glover is the increasing radicalization of his own son (Maynard Eziachi). Percy Mtwa's "never forgive, never foreget" subtext will be unsettling for some viewers-just as it was intended to be. Alfre Woodard, who previously played Winnie to Danny Glover's Nelson in the 1987 TV biopic Mandela, is again cast as Glover's wife. Bopha was coproduced by talkshow host Arsenio Hall, and directed by Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Morgan Freeman
  • Written By:
    John Wierick, Brian Bird
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Paramount Pictures

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Cast

Danny Glover
as Micah Mangena
Alfre Woodard
as Rosie Mangena
Malcolm McDowell
as De Villiers
Maynard Eziashi
as Zweli Mangena
Marius Weyers
as Van Tonder
Malick Bowens
as Pule Rampa
Michael Chinyamurindi
as Solomon
Christopher John Hall
as Machikano
Grace Mahlaba
as Thokozile Machikano
Robin Smith
as Reteif
Leo Davis
Julie Strijdom
as Lucy Van Tonder
Peter Kampila
as Nonsizi
Sello Maake Ka-Ncube
as Magubane
Eric Miyeni
as Bantebe
Tshepo Nzimande
as Mandla
Wilfred Tongarepi
as Nkeala
Innocent Ngavaira
as Samuel
Gavin Mey
as White Policeman 1
Stan Leih
as White Policeman 2
Joseph Munyama
as Black Policeman 1
Zilla Mamansi
as Teacher
Gift Burnett
as Philomen
Ackim Mwale
as Priest
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News & Interviews for Bopha!

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Critic Reviews for Bopha!

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (7)

A handsomely crafted, potently played drama that brings the issue of apartheid down to a visceral human dimension.

Mar 26, 2009
Variety
Top Critic

Involving and complex ...

Feb 9, 2006 | Full Review…
Time Out
Top Critic

A big, angry, extremely well-acted movie about the powder keg labeled South Africa.

May 20, 2003
New York Times
Top Critic

The result is a surprisingly powerful, insightful film. The dramatic curve of the narrative may not seem entirely fresh, and some of the characters are simplistic, but the movie still gets to you.

Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…
Washington Post
Top Critic

The movie may carry all the right sentiments, but it's essentially a secondhand achievement, a politically correct rehashing of better work.

Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…
Washington Post
Top Critic

Inteligente e sensível, Bopha traz uma performance marcante de Glover e é dirigido com segurança por Morgan Freeman - que deveria trabalhar mais atrás das câmeras.

Feb 27, 2004 | Rating: 4/5
Cinema em Cena
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