Product Details

• Actors: Whoopi Goldberg, Leleti Khumalo, Miriam Makeba, John Kani, Dumisani Dlamini
• Directors: Darrell Roodt
• Writers: Mbongeni Ngema, William Nicholson
• Producers: Anant Singh, David M. Thompson, Helena Spring, Kirk D'Amico, Sanjeev Singh
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• VHS Release Date: June 4, 2002
• Run Time: 117 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302705525
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #189,244 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Academy Award(R)-winning star Whoopi Goldberg (Best Supporting Actress -- GHOST) lights up the screen in her latest hit -- the exhilarating and entertaining SARAFINA! In a world where truth is forbidden, an inspiring teacher (Whoopi Goldberg) dares to instill in her students lessons not found in schoolbooks. In doing so, she challenges their freedom and hers. Applauded by critics and audiences everywhere, this upbeat and powerful story promises to stir your emotions and make your spirits soar!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Struggle for Justice, May 8, 2006

By 

Elijah Chingosho "Dr Elijah Chingosho" (Nairobi, Kenya) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sarafina (DVD)

"Sarafina" is a powerful and moving film about the struggle of South African school kids for survival and freedom against apartheid. It is a story of determination, perseverance and courage against tremendous odds. It teaches us that good will always triumph against evil: that the oppressed will always fight back and die to regain their freedom and dignity. The viewer will have a picture of what life was like under apartheid, ranging from school life, living conditions for blacks, the prisons and the brutal police.

I particularly love the beautiful South African music with its rich and outstanding vocals, percussion, horns and the like. You will love the sounds of veterans musicians like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba.

This is highly recommended for those who want to learn the history of the struggle against social injustice in South Africa.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Still powerful after all this time, May 10, 2004

By 

Andrew "Ciao" (Boston MASS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sarafina (DVD)

I think all who have seen Sarafina agree it is a powerful movie. What's more, it's beautiful at the same time. Listen to the voices of the choir in this movie. Sarafina started as a musical, and that talent is prevalent in the film version as well. The accapellas are spectacular, and the choir sings in South African fashion. It gives me a chill.

I enjoyed seeing Whoopi Goldberg in a dramatic role, versus the comedy shtick she usally does.

Lastly, tt's interesting seeing the conditions that apartheid era blacks lived in South Africa. Thank goodness apartheid is over. I'm glad what we see in this movie is now history!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it!, July 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sarafina [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The movie tells a lot about what went during the turbulent times in South Africa.

Sarafina is a South African girl who is part of an anti-segregation group in Soweto, South Africa. She went to a school governed by white soldiers learning only about the white history. Her history teacher secretly taught about how the students could make a difference. Sarafina participate in many dangerous protests where her friends have gotten injured, arrested and even killed.

This movie is very educational and would do well in a eighth grade classroom.