A fictional dramatic narrative interweaving several stories that personify the nation-altering emotional crux of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation hearings, In My Country accomplishes its pedagogical goal, but does so largely through obvious plot devices. Juliette Binoche and Samuel L. Jackson both give strong, moving performances as two journalists--one Afrikaner, one African American--covering the gut-wrenching testimony as the oppressed come face-to-face with their oppressors for these historical early-1990s forums, held all over the upended nation as it transitioned from apartheid to democracy. But their characters are clearly designed to represent (or at least be acquainted with) particular points of view that must come to a symbolic accord for the country's race issues to be resolved, and--of course--they embark on a metaphorical romance. Director John Boorman has his heart in the right place, and the film does cut to the bone with its depictions of some terrible events, but too many moments ring loudly of machination and oversimplification. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director John Boorman, six different interviews--with screenwriter Ann Peacock (17 min.), producer Lynn Hendee (16 min.), producer Robert Chartoff (13 min.), Boorman (13 min.), producer Mike Medavoy (8 min.), and costar Juliette Binoche (6 min.)--as well as four deleted scenes with optional director commentary (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a well-meaning but overcooked drama.] (R. Blackwelder)
In My Country
Sony, 103 min., R, VHS: $50.99, DVD: $24.95, July 5 Volume 20, Issue 4
In My Country
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