A brilliant film that helped define a genre

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Disclaimer – I lived in South Africa from 1977 to 1980 and working as a Professor in Johannesburg I came up against the problems of Apartheid many times. Because I was involved in some activities that might be considered seditious (admitting the first Blacks to post-graduate training, working as the only white Clinical Psychologist in an all- Black psychiatric hospital, working to create a rapprochement between isangomas in sub Saharan Africa) I also came into contact with the authorities, although not as badly as the central character. I did, however, spend 17 days in an African prisoner of war camp in Zambia, where the torture and interrogation techniques were not dis-similar).The film gives an accurate portrayal of the schisms in South Africa during the end of the Apartheid era – between Afrikaneers and English whites and between Blacks and whites, and even within these groups. Nigel Hawthorne (who was born in South Africa) gives a bravura performance as the Colonel in charge of interrogation. This ranks right up there with his work in "The Madness of King George" (1996).Eric Stoltz doesn't really show the conflicts that many liberal whites showed, so one has to wait for his sessions with Hawthorne for the action to heat up.The scenes between Hawthorne and Lou Gossett are equally notable.Arthur Penn directs, this his last film. Penn is famous for such films as Bonnie and Clyde (1967), "The Miracle Worker" (1962), and "Little Big Man" (1970). The current film shows his heritage from his work on Playhouse 90 which this film more represents that the wide screen films he is famous for.

Have just finished watching this film, which upset me greatly. Have also been to South Africa twice, around the time this film is set.It is certainly hard-hitting, and the opening scenes tend to 'set the scene'. The slow but steady increase of pace hardly allows a break, and there are certainly few light moments.Will never be able to view Nigel Hawthorne the same again. He came across as a very twisted individual, and I found myself disliking him more each time he appeared.Totally agree with Steve-thomp's articulate and well thought-out comments.

This movie is nothing short of a dark, gritty masterpiece. I may be bias, as the Apartheid era is an area I've always felt for. But I'd say it ranks right up with Cry Freedom and Cry the Beloved Country. Sadly up until a few days ago I'd never even heard of this movie. Inside is one of the most underrated films of all time, probably because it was a small film company, I'd never even heard of it before. Eric Stoltz, one of my favorite actors anyway, is believable and dramatic, Nigel Hawthorne plays his dastardly role well. Do not look for humor in this film, there is none. It is real, savage and gritty to the last, and to the sensitive I'd say bring a box of tissues. But movies as great as this make you wonder, why is it that the greatest films are often never heard of?

I saw this movie very late one night, while channel surfing just before I hit the sack. I spotted Eric Stoltz, and decided to watch for a little while, as I think he's a very talented actor. I got drawn into the movie completely, and it made an impression on me. The story concerns Martin Strydom, a white man living in south africa, arrested for collaboration with anti-apartheid terrorists. It is told as a series of flashbacks, as the prison warden who held him is being investigated, many years later, by Louis Gosset Junior. From the first day, Martin is put through a brutal campaign of psychological torture, instigated by the warden, who lies to him to make him believe that all of his friends and family have disowned him. I wont give any of the plot twists away (there are a few) but I will say, go and watch it. Its not funny, its not action packed, but it is a good movie