You are here:

Cry, the Beloved Country

Name: Cry, the Beloved Country
Director: Zoltan Korda
Released: 1951
Duration: 103 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1951

Director

Zoltan Korda

Runtime

103 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Cry, the Beloved Country stands as a significant historical document that disrupts mid-century cinematic norms. By centering Black protagonists and critiquing systemic inequality, it challenges the era's typical white-centric storytelling. However, the film is constrained by the social hierarchies of its time. The narrative remains heavily patriarchal, with women relegated to supportive roles and a complete absence of LGBTQ+ representation. Ultimately, the film's power lies in its sociopolitical critique. It uses personal struggles to illuminate the systemic failures of the South African social order and the impact of rapid urbanization.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Cry, the Beloved Country have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight identities. It focuses solely on the patriarchal and communal structures of the 1950s.

How does Cry, the Beloved Country portray gender?

Limited

Women are shown in domestic or supportive roles, often supporting the male-driven plot. The sister's character highlights urban displacement, though her ability to act independently is limited by her circumstances.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cry, the Beloved Country?

Excellent

The film centers a Black protagonist and uses an all-Black cast for African characters. It actively critiques systemic inequality and the segregationist framework of South Africa.

How does Cry, the Beloved Country represent religion and culture?

Good

The story critiques Western-imposed social structures and the breakdown of tribal units due to urbanization. The Black church is portrayed as a source of resilience against oppression.

Does Cry, the Beloved Country include disability representation?

Minimal

No significant portrayals of visible or invisible disabilities appear within the primary character arcs.

Present on Screen

Centers Black protagonists and uses an all-Black cast for African characters.
Provides a sophisticated critique of systemic inequality and segregationist frameworks.
Uses the Black church as a symbol of resilience against an oppressive social order.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight characters.
Women are primarily depicted in domestic or supportive roles with limited ability to act.
No significant portrayals of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In the back country of South Africa, black minister Stephen Kumalo journeys to the city to search for his missing son, only to find his people living in squalor and his son a criminal. Reverend Misimangu is a young South African clergyman who helps find his missing son-turned-thief and sister-turned-prostitute in the slums of Johannesburg.

How are these scores produced? →