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Features: DVD, Widescreen, Aspect Ratio 2.35:1, Dolby Digital (5.0), Commentaries, Interviews, Deleted Scenes, Previews, French Subtitled
In 1996, the South African government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate abuses of human rights under apartheid. These hearings would serve as a forum for those accused of murder and torture to be confronted by their victims and, by admitting their guilt, be granted amnesty under Ubuntu, the native custom of forgiveness. Covering the sessions are Langston Whitfield (Academy Award-nominee Samuel L. Jackson, Best Supporting Actor, Pulp Fiction, 1994) and Anna Malan (Academy Award-winner Juliette Binoche, Best Supporting Actress, The English Patient, 1996), two journalists who, through their reporting, inspire both the world and themselves with these extraordinary stories about courage, compassion and the redeeming power of love. Directed by Academy Award-nominee John Boorman (Deliverance, 1972; Hope and Glory, 1987). Based on the book "Country of My Skull" by Antjie Krog.
Editor's Note
Noted filmmaker John Boorman (DELIVERANCE, THE GENERAL, THE TAILOR OF PANAMA) addresses the complex emotional scars leftover from Apartheid in South Africa in IN MY COUNTRY. The events of the film take place during hearings conducted in 1996 by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The purpose of the hearings was to shed light on the unfortunate atrocities committed during the time of persecution. Anna Malan (Juliette Binoche) is a native Afrikaner poet whose is covering the hearings for state radio. During the proceedings, she meets Langston Whitfield (Samuel L. Jackson) an American covering the matter for the Washington Post. Initially, the two don't get along. He thinks she shares collective guilt for cruelty that was carried out; she thinks he's a stubborn and ignorant American. Getting past those unfounded first impressions, the two fall in love.Adapted from author Antjie Krog's memoirs, COUNTRY OF MY SKULL, the film features strong performances from both leads and by Brendan Gleeson in a supporting role as Colonel De Jager. IN MY COUNTRY asks an intriguing question about who should take the blame for what happened--the leaders, the soldiers, or the people who watched it happen and never protested.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound | | Deleted Scenes | | Director Commentary | | Interactive Menus | | Interviews With Producers Lynn Hendee, Mike Medavoy And Robert Chartoff, Director John Boorman, Actress Juliette Binoche, And Screenwriter Ann Peacock | | Scene Selection | | Widescreen Presentation | | Previews | | Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.0 | | Subtitles: French | | Interview with actress Juliette Binoche | | Interview with screenwriter Ann Peacock | | Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by director John Boorman | | Interview with director John Boorman |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Columbia Tri-Star |
| Release Date: 1/22/2008 |
| Running Time: 103 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 2005 | | Catalog ID: 07008 | | UPC: 00043396070080 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1 |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | Movieline's Hollywood Life
"[A] thoughtful, affecting film..." 02/01/2005 p.87Entertainment Weekly
"Boorman creates affecting and tense moments in the commission room." 03/18/2005 p.46 Premiere
"One of the strongest and most consistent elements of this film is the cinematography, and Seamus Deasy's stunning images of the dramatic South African terrain..." 09/01/2005 p.120 Ultimate DVD
4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]his tells the story of a country torn apart by moral guilt and racial tensions....Compelling viewing with a conscience." 10/01/2006 p.123 Chicago Sun-Times 6 of 10
...there is something not quite right about the film itself. The affair between Whitfield and Malan - Roger Ebert
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