This is, unfortunately, a standard but powerful story that reaches the screen fairly often, but is well-handled here. Although there is not a lot of new material or unique presentation in "A Dry White Season," I found that I was unsettled through much of the viewing. The horrors of the apartheid system are personally documented by the characters in this film, and we are all sadder for it.
"A Dry White Season" depicts the almost inhuman depravity of a state machine that caused tremendous pain and misery to support a corrupt and evil system. Sutherland is good in the title role, but Janet Suzman (as his wife) delivers the best scene when describing her longing for the status quo and confusion at her husband's behavior in a seemingly futile contest against public opinion and the state machine. His children are interestingly drawn supporting opposite sides of the conflict, although his son seems a bit too enlightened for a boy his age. Zakes Mokae and Winston Ntshona are good in their roles, Prochnow delivers the standard bad guy performance as the "executioner," and Sarandon is wasted in a role not fully developed.
The film is not without faults, however. The true consequences of du Toit's actions don't seem to REALLY cause an impact on his life. I find it very difficult to believe that a single man can set so many forces in motion with so little regard to the consequences, only to reap a tremendous amount of pain and sorrow, and not be almost crushed by the burden. Regardless, it is a compelling story of people who struggle for a great ideal while fully knowing the personal outcome. I found that I had similar reactions when watching "Mississippi Burning," which I recommend as a good companion piece.
I'd rate the film an "8" out of "10," but with extra points included for the power of the drama rather than just rating the film as presented.
"A Dry White Season" depicts the almost inhuman depravity of a state machine that caused tremendous pain and misery to support a corrupt and evil system. Sutherland is good in the title role, but Janet Suzman (as his wife) delivers the best scene when describing her longing for the status quo and confusion at her husband's behavior in a seemingly futile contest against public opinion and the state machine. His children are interestingly drawn supporting opposite sides of the conflict, although his son seems a bit too enlightened for a boy his age. Zakes Mokae and Winston Ntshona are good in their roles, Prochnow delivers the standard bad guy performance as the "executioner," and Sarandon is wasted in a role not fully developed.
The film is not without faults, however. The true consequences of du Toit's actions don't seem to REALLY cause an impact on his life. I find it very difficult to believe that a single man can set so many forces in motion with so little regard to the consequences, only to reap a tremendous amount of pain and sorrow, and not be almost crushed by the burden. Regardless, it is a compelling story of people who struggle for a great ideal while fully knowing the personal outcome. I found that I had similar reactions when watching "Mississippi Burning," which I recommend as a good companion piece.
I'd rate the film an "8" out of "10," but with extra points included for the power of the drama rather than just rating the film as presented.