Bopha! (1993)

This 1993 film adaptation of Percy Mtwa's South African play Bopha was rendered anachronistic by late-breaking events, though it still contains plenty of food for thought. Danny Glover stars as a black police officer in the waning days of apartheid. Though dedicated to his job, Glover has mixed feelings concerning his loyalty to the white status quo. His self-doubt is further intensified by the rabidly racist remarks of his new superior, Malcolm McDowell. Making things even more difficult for Glover is the increasing radicalization of his own son (Maynard Eziachi). Percy Mtwa's "never forgive, never foreget" subtext will be unsettling for some viewers-just as it was intended to be. Alfre Woodard, who previously played Winnie to Danny Glover's Nelson in the 1987 TV biopic Mandela, is again cast as Glover's wife. Bopha was coproduced by talkshow host Arsenio Hall, and directed by Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman. — Hal Erickson

Danny Glover - Micah Mangena
Malcolm McDowell - De Villiers
Alfre Woodard - Rosie Mangena
Marius Weyers - Van Tonder
Maynard Eziashi - Zweli Mangena
Malick Bowens - Pule Rampa
Grace Mahlaba - Thokozile Machikano
Leo Davis
Eric Miyeni - Bantebe
Stan Leih - White Policeman 2
Gavin Mey - White Policeman 1
Robin Smith - Reteif