A World Apart
Seen it?1988 | 113 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
Critics loved it (91% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- If you count yourself among people who love a good family story and anyone who loves a strong drama, this one's for you. Anyone with siblings or parents will recognize something here. Set in the 1960s, and it looks the part.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.
A White enclave in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the 1960s. Molly Roth, 13 years old, is the daughter of leftist parents, and she must piece together what's happening around her when her father disappears one night, barely evading arrest, and, not long after, her mother is detained by the authorities. Some of Molly's White friends turn against her, and her family's friendships with Blacks take on new meaning. Relationships are fragile in the world of apartheid. How will she manage?
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 BAFTA: BAFTA Awards: Best Original Screenplay. Won 1 Cannes award: 1988 Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress. Also nominated for 1 more BAFTA and 1 Independent Spirit Award. Plus 3 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$8 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 23K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Chris Menges
- Barbara HersheyDiana Roth
- David SuchetMuller
- Jeroen KrabbéGus Roth
- Paul FreemanKruger
- Tim RothHarold
- Jodhi MayMolly Roth
- Nadine ChalmersYvonne Abelson
- Maria PilarSpanish Dance Teacher
- Kate FitzpatrickJune Abelson
- Phyllis NaidooSareda