Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4550 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-10-15
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 118 minutes

Synopsis
GOODBYE BAFANA tells the eye-opening true story of one man's gradual transition from white supremacist to defender of black rights. Set in South Africa in 1968, in the midst of the National Party's brutal Apartheid regime, the film questions the very nature of what it means to be free. James Gregory (Joseph Fiennes, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE) is a typical white Afrikaner whose bigoted upbringing has led him to regard all blacks with disdain. As a native Xhosa speaker, he is enlisted by the governing party to keep a watchful eye on political activist Nelson Mandela (Dennis Haysbert, BREACH) who's serving a life sentence on Robben Island for daring to rebel against the system. In a country where black people are stripped of even their most basic human rights--the right to vote, the right to own land, the right to own a business, the right to proper housing and education--the voice of opposition is about as welcome as the notion of democracy itself. For Mandela and other political figures, their involvement with the African National Congress (ANC) was enough to cost them their freedom. During his incarceration, Mandela strikes up an unlikely but profound friendship with his guard, and manages to convince him of the injustices perpetrated daily against South Africa's black population. As Gregory slowly starts to wake up to the inhumanity all around him, he vows to join in the struggle for a free South Africa. Based on the memoirs of Nelson Mandela's prison guard, GOODBYE BAFANA is a thought-provoking and moving account of a very dark period in human history.

Synopsis
Based on an inspirational true story, Goodbye Bafana tracks the unlikely but profound relationship between James Gregory (Joseph Fiennes), a racist South African jailer, and his prisoner, Nelson Mandela (Dennis Haysbert). Gregory is ordered to spy on Mandela because he understands Mandela`s native language. No one expected that a friendship would grow between these two very different men. Through Mandela`s influence, Gregory`s world will change forever. Powerful and uplifting, Goodbye Bafana delivers a moving message of hope, courage and humanity.

Customer Reviews

A historical masterpiece of movie making
Goodbye Bafana unfolds an unpleasant, but important piece of South African history, the apartheid phase. The cinemagraphy and the calibre of acting are of the highest standard, which really enhances the movie realism. The historical accuracy is always questioned, but no doubts emerge about this, as it is truly accounted as the movie unfolds. Otherwise, it is a history forgery which is not case, as facts are presented about what happened to the characters featured. This enhances historical accuracy of the movie and eliminates casting doubts.

The movie recaptures a historical journey of South Africa in the late 60's to early 90's during the time Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years and the eventual release of him in society. During the imprisonment, he developed a special bonding with an Afrikaner who's went lot of trouble to assist him, but landed in trouble with authorities. This moment represents one of the most pivotal and emotional phase of the movie. His perspective and vision of life altered considerably. Following Nelson Mandela lengthy prison sentence, he became the president and promoted a new South Africa.

What we learn from the movie is about how cruel human beings can really be and for what motives? We should live in a civilised society, where everyone is equal. Unfortunately, this did not happen for a considerable time in South Africa and as a consequence sanctions were imposed. South Africa subsequently banned from international sports events, as result of their national policies. In Goodbye Bafana, the true spirit of humanity is deeply questioned here.

Goodbye Bafana is a great historical movie, to learn a few important issues presented in humanity . It is ideally suited for those, who express a strong interest in history and keen to learn further.

superbly acted, a fascinating story of respect and humility
I have to confess, I had some trepidation before going to see this film - on paper, I thought it had the potential to be a little dry - the memoires of one of Nelson Mandela's prison guards... I can only say that Joseph Fiennes probably betters his brother's performance in The Constant Gardener in this film, and with the exception of some slightly suspect wigs towards the end Dennis Haysbert is quietly powerful in his portrayal of the incarcerated Nelson Mandela. The story works well at identifying common ground the white guard and his charge share, without being overly sentimental or soppy - there is a strong sense of mutual respect and honour that permeates this film, which is entirely as you'd expect given the reason for the story. The supporting actors do a fine job and the film ticks along at a well-timed pace - at no point did I feel the director was playing for time whilst equally not rushing the transformation of prison warder James Gregory's staunch anti-integrationist opinions into a close friend and occasional accomplice to Mandela. Definitely up there with the recent batch of Africa-based stories like Shooting Dogs, Hotel Rwanda and the Last King of Scotland.

An inspiring story
I saw this at the cinema last night and will buy the DVD to give to my in laws who were living in SA at the time. I found it a well acted, sensitive portrayal of a complex situation. I'm not clear how much artistic licence was taken with the story. I like the idea that Nelson Mandela fought his jailer with 'sticks' (and won). If you've not seen this already - go for it!