The time is the late '80s, a crucial period in the history of South Africa. President P.W. Botha is hanging on to power by a thread as the African National Congress (ANC) takes up arms against apartheid and the country tumbles toward insurrection. A British mining concern is convinced that their interests would be better served in a stable South Africa and they quietly dispatch Michael Young, their head of public affairs, to open an unofficial dialogue between the bitter rivals. Assembling a reluctant yet brilliant team to pave the way to reconciliation by confronting obstacles that initially seem insurmountable, Young places his trust in ANC leader Thabo Mbeki and Afrikaner philosophy professor Willie Esterhuyse. It is their empathy that will ultimately serve as the catalyst for change by proving more powerful than the terrorist bombs that threaten to disrupt the peaceful dialogue.
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🔍 Search on JustWatch →The film lives at the rhythm of everyday life — and that's its strength. No cinema about 'big events,' just about how people live, make mistakes, and understand themselves.
Worth watching for the performances and the sincerity. If you're waiting for events — there aren't many. If you're waiting for feeling — it's there.
For those looking for film about people, not events. If you need action — look elsewhere.
Director: Pete Travis
— MovieFinder Editorial
Best Watched
Viewing atmosphere: When you're in the mood for a conversation about life. With a partner or friend you can trust.
William Hurt
Professor Will Esterhuyse
Chiwetel Ejiofor
President Thabo Mbeki
Jonny Lee Miller
Michael Young
Mark Strong
Dr. Niel Barnard
Clarke Peters
Nelson Mandela
John Kani
Oliver Tambo
Derek Jacobi
Rudolph Agnew
Timothy West
P.W. Botha
Matthew Marsh
F.W. de Klerk
Michael Huff
Willem de Klerk
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