The movie Cry, The Beloved Country was adapted from a novel written by South African author Alan Paton, who devoted his whole life to the battle against apartheid. After the movie was released in 1995, it arose a widely concern about the racial prejudice and discrimination that black people suffered and people’s reflection on humanity and the primary rights of living.
The plot of this movie is quiet simple, however typical for the phenomenon in that remote age. A black pastor went on a journey to find his lost son, only to be told that his kind and well-behaved son was sentenced to death for he had killed a white man although it was an accident. In the movie, comparison between the black father Stephen Kumalo and the white father James Jarvis serves as the main technique of expression that both of them suffered the pain of losing their dear child, but they learned different things from the unexpected tragedy which could have been avoided. The black father knew that there were still lots room to improve black people’s life conditions and social status, while the white father in the end fully understood the meaning of what his son was devoted to and eliminated his own discrimination and prejudice towards black people.
There are lots of scenes describing how the miserable life of black people was and how rooted concept was that white people are inferior to other races. For example, when Kumalo’s sister was found, she admitted that her life conditions were in mess, by saying that “I’ve been in a prison, hard to have faith.” Didn’t she want to get rid of the negative circle of chaotic and sorrowful life? It is not that she didn’t, but that she couldn’t. She was such a helpless black woman who could figure out an effective way. If only someone competent, especially those who could speak in a loud voice in front of the government, stood out and gave her a hand! What they lack was not money or food, but a wholeheartedly recognized right to live in this world, enjoying equal rights to other races.
What impressed me most is the dialogue between two fathers in front of the little hut. After Jarvis heard that his son was killed by Kumalo’s son, he didn’t insult or blame to Kumalo, but appeared fairly understanding and pity on Kumalo. “I’m now understand what I should understand.” These are significant words for they reveal the subtle but radical change in Jarvis’ heart. He began to accept his son’s career and understand his idea that they white people should be kind to black people instead of establish and promote segregation.
Indeed, the generous and merciful God loves everyone, so there should be no reason for people to look down upon others, even if they are of different colors from you.
“Arthur believes what we less believe. He is on your side. ” Jarvis said to his son’s black friend when he learned how much good deeds his son did for the black people in the name of god.
“No, no, no, he is on no side.” the black man replied.
Yes, it is because God is on no side. He orders that all men are born equal.
