Best Movies About South Africa

From Malik Bendjelloul, starring Rodriguez, Stephen 'Sugar' Segerman, Dennis Coffey, Mike Theodore
Rated PG-13

Searching for Sugar Man is a 2012 Swedish-British documentary film directed by Malik Bendjelloul. It tells the story of Rodriguez, a singer-songwriter from Detroit who mysteriously disappeared after the release of his two critically acclaimed folk-rock albums in the 1970s. Despite his commercial failure in the United States, his music had become incredibly popular in South Africa, leading two fans to embark on a journey to find out what happened to the musician. The film follows their search and its unexpected outcome, revealing the life and music of Rodriguez and his influence on a generation of South African anti-apartheid activists.

From Neill Blomkamp, starring Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope, Nathalie Boltt
Rated R

District 9 is a science-fiction action film directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson. The film is set in Johannesburg, South Africa and follows an alien race, known as the "Prawns," who are forced to live in a slum due to their presence on Earth. The protagonist, Wikus van de Merwe, is a bureaucrat in charge of the relocation of the aliens, but he soon finds himself in the middle of a conflict between the Prawns and a government agency. The film follows Wikus as he discovers the truth about the aliens and decides to help them in their quest for freedom. With thrilling action sequences and a thought-provoking story, District 9 is an exciting look at xenophobia, oppression, and the power of the human spirit.

From Bruce Beresford, starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, John Waters, Bryan Brown
Rated PG

Breaker Morant is a 1980 Australian war drama film directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, and Bryan Brown. The film follows the story of three Australian lieutenants, Harry "Breaker" Morant, Peter Handcock, and George Witton, who are court-martialed for allegedly committing war crimes during the Boer War. Based on a true story, the film follows the three men as they fight for justice and their lives, as they are wrongfully accused of killing Boer prisoners of war. The film explores the theme of blind obedience to authority, as well as the moral implications of war. Themes of loyalty and honor are also explored as the three men struggle to come to terms with the charges against them.

From Cy Endfield, starring Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth
Rated Not Rated

Zulu is a 1964 British epic war film depicting the battle of Rorke's Drift between the British Army and the Zulus in January 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War. The film was directed by Cy Endfield and stars Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Michael Caine and Ulla Jacobsson. The film follows the story of a group of British soldiers, led by Lieutenant John Chard of the Royal Engineers and Lt. Gonville Bromhead, who together defend the missionary station of Rorke's Drift in Natal Province, South Africa against an onslaught of 4,000 Zulu warriors. The defenders, greatly outnumbered, use a variety of ingenious tactics to hold off the attack, while sending a rider to get help from the nearest British troops. The film culminates in a spectacular clash between the two sides, with the British ultimately triumphant. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of the Zulus, its spectacular battle scenes, and the strong performances of its cast. It was a commercial success, and is widely considered one of the greatest war films of all time.

From Joe Berlinger, starring Paul Simon, Maya Angelou, Okeyrema Asante, Harry Belafonte
Rated Not Rated

Under African Skies is a 2012 documentary film directed by Joe Berlinger which follows the story of Paul Simon's historic 1986 Graceland tour of South Africa amidst a cultural boycott. The film examines the complexities of the political issues at stake, the criticism Simon faced for breaking the boycott and the impact that his music had on the people of South Africa. It features interviews from South African musical luminaries, including Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, as well as journalists and activists who were involved in the controversy at the time. The film also features archival footage and interviews with Paul Simon himself, who reflects on the experience and the legacy of Graceland 25 years later.

From Directors: Deborah Hoffmann, Frances Reid, starring Mary Burton, Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, Mongezi Manqina, Thapelo Mbelo
Rated Not Rated

Long Night's Journey Into Day is an Academy Award-nominated documentary film about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. The film follows the stories of four victims and four perpetrators of apartheid-era atrocities as they seek to come to terms with their past. Through its portraits of both victims and perpetrators, the film explores the process of truth-telling, forgiveness, and reconciliation in post-apartheid South African society. The film documents the emotional, psychological, and spiritual journeys of these people as they struggle to make sense of their past and to move forward. Ultimately, Long Night's Journey Into Day reveals how individuals and a nation can come to terms with the legacy of a painful history and transform it into a legacy of reconciliation and hope.

From Lee Hirsch, starring Abdullah Ibrahim, Duma Ka Ndlovu, Vusi Mahlasela, Walter Cronkite
Rated PG-13

From Richard Attenborough, starring Denzel Washington, Kevin Kline, Josette Simon, Wabei Siyolwe
Rated PG

From Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng
Rated PG-13

From Cornel Wilde, starring Cornel Wilde, Gert van den Bergh, Ken Gampu, Patrick Mynhardt
Rated Approved

From Gavin Hood, starring Presley Chweneyagae, Mothusi Magano, Israel Matseke-Zulu, Terry Pheto
Rated R

From Bronwen Hughes, starring Thomas Jane, David O'Hara, Dexter Fletcher, Deborah Kara Unger
Rated R

From John G. Avildsen, starring Stephen Dorff, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Morgan Freeman, Nomadlozi Kubheka
Rated PG-13

From Euzhan Palcy, starring Donald Sutherland, Janet Suzman, Zakes Mokae, Jürgen Prochnow
Rated R

From Oliver Schmitz, starring Steve Coogan, Andrea Riseborough, Garion Dowds, Eduan van Jaarsveldt
Rated R

From Steve Jacobs, starring John Malkovich, Natalie Becker, Jessica Haines, Eriq Ebouaney
Rated R