This is the true and very sad story of a young South African, Sandra Laing. Oddly, despite having two white biological parents, she had black features and skin that made her look biracial--a SERIOUS problem in South Africa during Apartheid! And because of that, she had not only legal problems (the parents had to fight in court to have her declared 'white'--otherwise, she would have been barred from most schools) but social ones as racists wanted nothing to do with this girl. Her childhood must have been incredibly lonely...very, very lonely.
As Sandra grew, her problems fitting in didn't disappear--and in some ways they got a lot worse. Her own father slowly turned against her--resenting her for her skin color and the embarrassment her let it cause him. Eventually, Sandra met a black man and fell in love--and her racist father couldn't stand her being with 'one of them'! Mom's reaction wasn't much better. Eventually Sandra ran off to Swaziland with him--hoping to escape her insane life. Unfortunately, she was captured and imprisoned for crossing the border illegally. And, in the process, she was disowned by her loving family. Eventually, her new boyfriend also leaves her, as he, too, has trouble coping with her race--she is too 'white' for him! In the end, she is feeling lost and after two decades of estrangement, Sandra goes looking for her family.
All in all, this is a heartbreaking movie--particularly so because it's all based on real life people. The acting, direction and entire production is very good and it's a film that no doubt will effect you. You just can't help seeing this sad tale and not feeling terrible for poor Sandra.
By the way, you do wonder why the Laing family didn't just leave South Africa. They didn't--so it's only an academic question. But their decision to remain in such a hostile environment s quite curious--as were her parents' continuing to support the Apartheid system! Crazy.
Also, I looked for a picture of the real Sandra Laing and noticed that her father did NOT look the least bit like Sam Neill! Bald and dull looking--not at all a hunk-meister like Neill!!
As Sandra grew, her problems fitting in didn't disappear--and in some ways they got a lot worse. Her own father slowly turned against her--resenting her for her skin color and the embarrassment her let it cause him. Eventually, Sandra met a black man and fell in love--and her racist father couldn't stand her being with 'one of them'! Mom's reaction wasn't much better. Eventually Sandra ran off to Swaziland with him--hoping to escape her insane life. Unfortunately, she was captured and imprisoned for crossing the border illegally. And, in the process, she was disowned by her loving family. Eventually, her new boyfriend also leaves her, as he, too, has trouble coping with her race--she is too 'white' for him! In the end, she is feeling lost and after two decades of estrangement, Sandra goes looking for her family.
All in all, this is a heartbreaking movie--particularly so because it's all based on real life people. The acting, direction and entire production is very good and it's a film that no doubt will effect you. You just can't help seeing this sad tale and not feeling terrible for poor Sandra.
By the way, you do wonder why the Laing family didn't just leave South Africa. They didn't--so it's only an academic question. But their decision to remain in such a hostile environment s quite curious--as were her parents' continuing to support the Apartheid system! Crazy.
Also, I looked for a picture of the real Sandra Laing and noticed that her father did NOT look the least bit like Sam Neill! Bald and dull looking--not at all a hunk-meister like Neill!!