In My Country

Color, R (mature themes, language, violence), 104 min., DVD $24.96, VHS rental

DVD: director's commentary, cast and crew interviews, deleted scenes

Street: July 5, Prebook:
June 2

First Run: L, March 2005, <$1 mil.

Cast: Samuel L. Jackson (Coach Carter), Juliette Binoche (Chocolat), Brendan Gleason (The Village), Sam Nagane (Cry, the Beloved Country), Menzi Ngubane, Lionel Newton (Stander)

SONY

Washington Post reporter Livingston Whitfield (Jackson) is sent to South Africa to report on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in which those involved in apartheid must face each other. Also covering the proceedings is an Afrikaaner poet (Binoche), who has an affair with Whitfield despite having different opinions about the hearings. A moving, often disturbing look at South African politics spiked with a love story and elements of adventure, In My Country could attract interest because of director Boorman (Deliverance, The General) or the always popular Jackson. The film tackles politics in a compelling way, looking at a complex issue with intelligence and sensitivity, but also delivers solid dramatic results with its romantic angle. Although In My Country made a quick exit following its limited theatrical run, it will be a strong renter for audiences who applauded Hotel Rwanda, Stander and the like.

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