A World Apart (film)
- Jodhi May: Molly Roth
- Jeroen Krabbé: Gus Roth
- Barbara Hershey: Diana Roth
- Linda Mvusi: Elsie
- Tim Roth: Harold
Two Worlds is a British feature film from the year 1988. The film is based on the childhood memories of screenwriter Shawn Slovo.
Action
The film takes place in Johannesburg in 1963. The parents of 13 -year-old Molly Roth are Communists and active opponent of South African apartheid policies. The young girl grows up sheltered and away the daily problems of the black population. In her parents' home, there is no racial segregation. However, Molly goes to a school that is attended only by white students and parents in the homes of their friends pay strict attention to the racial segregation. The political activities of their parents are foreign to her. This changes when suddenly her father Gus must go into exile and abandons the family. Her mother Diana must now build on this political fight alone. Molly's girlfriends are turning away from her, which she initially reacts with incomprehension. But now she is forced to be confronted with the political world of their parents. The dispute with the mother turns into close relationship with the mother and growing interest in the political work of parents. She eventually recognizes the injustice in their country and is growing up so fast. Finally, at the funeral of a colored freedom fighter she stands side by side with her mother and is also matured into an activist against apartheid.
Reviews
"Less an exploration of the background of apartheid as an energetic plea for human rights, which takes its suggestive power mainly from the insightful and poignant description of the emotional worlds of its protagonists. It clarifies that humanitarian action is inextricably linked to the appreciation and the respect for human feelings. "
Awards
The film participated in the competition at the International Film Festival of Cannes 1988. The cast Jodhi May, Barbara Hershey and Linda Mvusi were jointly awarded the Best Actor Award. In addition, the film won the Grand Jury Prize and the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury. 1988 Chris Menges was honored with the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Director. 1989 screenwriter Shawn Slovo was awarded the British Academy Film Award for Best Original Screenplay.