A World Apart ★★★½ 1988 (PG) Cinematographer Menges' first directoral effort is a blistering, insightful drama told from the point of view of a 13-year-old white girl living in South Africa, oblivious to apartheid until her crusading journalist mother is arrested under the 90-Day Detention Act, under which she might remain in prison permanently. Political morality tale is also a look at the family-vs-cause choices activists must make. Heavily lauded, with good reason; the autobiographical script is based on Slovo's parents, persecuted South African journalists Joe Slovo and Ruth First. 114m/C VHS. GB Barbara Hershey, Jodhi May, Linda Mvusi, David Suchet, Jeroen Krabbe, Paul Freeman, Tim Roth, Jude Akuwidike, Albee Lesotho;
Director:
Chris Menges;
Writer:
Shawn Slovo;
Writer:
Peter Biziou;
Cameo:
Hans Zimmer. British Acad. '88: Orig. Screenplay; Cannes '88: Actress (Hershey), Actress (May, Mvusi), Grand Jury Prize; N.Y. Film Critics '88: Director (Menges).
