Customer Reviews

Cry, The Beloved Country (1995 Film)

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"Cry the Beloved Country" was quite possibly the most underrated film of 1995. It was well produced and directed with superbly acted leads by James Earl Jones and Richard Harris. The score by John Barry was vastly overlooked, as well. Africa has been good to Barry. One of his first chances to score a film was "Zulu"(1964), more of which must be said later. Barry also won Academy Awards for both the song and score for "Born Free" (1966), soon to be released in a new recording, and for the score for "Out of Africa" (1985). His music for "Cry the Beloved Country" is somber, dramatic and in places quite tragic, but like the story there is a claim to dignity and a quiet form of heroism. A main theme runs throughout the score with secondary themes emerging along the way, and they are all substantial. Barry also pulled a surprise by utilizing his main theme to "Zulu." This would seem, at first glance, to be a form of self-plagiarism, but it is not. The theme in question is a heroic standard in "Zulu." Here, it is haunting and subtle, but clearly was to remind one of the heroism of a people, not the heroism of spear and shield, but of their undying dignity which remains in spite of the troubles that engulf them. This theme is first heard as a train makes its way across the South African landscape to Johannesburg and appears again in serveral tracks. The temptation to complain about Barry stealing from his own music actually never emerges, instead one is amazed by how he integrated it into what must be regarded as one of his best scores, and that is high praise, indeed.

I waited a while until I found a copy of this CD and boy was I happy. This is one score that will touch the deep emotion nerves all over your body. One track in particular that will be played probabaly millions of times on my CD player is 21 (The marriage). John Barry understands what scoring is and it is such a shame that this score went unnoticed like this. For the people who were able to get a copy of this CD (the lucky ones I should add), enjoy every second of it. Keep it coming John.

Cry, the Beloved Country, is a score that you have to get after you watch the movie MORE THAN ONCE. I have made this mistake with this CD. The theme which is played throughout the score, is one of pure beauty. It borders on the line of being played too much, but it deserves to be played a lot. The problem with the CD is the other music on this CD didn't help paint a mental picture of the film. At least not in my head. And I dont necessairly fault the composer John Barry for that. It is because to have that picture in your head, you must watch this movie multiple times. Unlike other movies, it is key to have watched the movie. If you do, then you will be treated with this fine work by John Barry.

This remarkable score was largely overlooked by critics upon this film's release in 1995, which is a great shame. John Barry here has produced a modern masterpiece. This is a score which captures both the physical beauty of South Africa--sample the main title that opens the CD--as well as the human drama depicted in the film. Barry's music penetrates to the soul. I challenge anyone to listen to it and not be changed.

when i first heard the black hole soundtrack i was hooked on john barry. i didn't think that any music after that would be better. WRONG. every track on this cd is mind-blowing to me. from the softness of #3 to the haunting #22 this is nothing short of spell-binding. i urge all who read this to buy this soundtrack. in fact, i demand it. you won't be dissatisfied.

Though you probably won't hear this music on the air or in an elevator, the album is one you will play over and over without tiring of it. It will stay with you a lifetime...Truly beautiful.