This is an amazing true story, told by a young director Anthony Fabian, well known for his successful documentary work. “Skin” is his first feature film, shot in 2007.
It is a tale of a black little girl, who was born to white parents (white Afrikaners, in the South Africa), during the time of apartheid. During the 1950s intolerance towards black people was growing stronger. Laing family was completely unaware of their ancestry (which was partially black), and they were absolutely shocked when they’ve welcomed a black baby girl.
True parents full of love, never had any second thought about the baby, they loved her as much as one can, but the community started giving them hard time and bullying them constantly.
Finally as a teenager, Sandra is excluded from the white society, and the film actually follows that journey she has to pass, from abandonment to complete acceptance.
Her family raises her as their white little girl, but she becomes aware that she is different, and starts feeling the pressure around her. Parallel story describes her love to a black man, which her father disapproves, and that adds even more discomfort to their shattered relationship.
Young first time director Anthony Fabian couldn’t find better actors for his story then the ones he cast. Sam Neill is absolutely fabulous as Mr.Laing, demonstrating how true talent and charm cannot fade away.
The role of Sandra Laing (black white girl) is given to insanely talented Sophie Okonedo, who got excellent reviews for this performance. Sophie Okonedo was nominated for Oscar for her role in “Hotel Rwanda” and has since proven that her talent and grace are here to stay, for a very long time.
Scenario for this movie is very inspiring, soundtrack is also excellent, and actors are certainly the best part of this feature. Let’s not forget that true stories are always extremely well receipted, which means that “Skin” has all the recommendations you need to see it. And enjoy it!
Release Date: October 30, 2009
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Biography
Starring: Sophie Okonedo, Sam Neill, Tony Kgoroge, Alice Krige, Ella Ramangwane
Director: Anthony Fabian
Writer: Helen Crawley
Running Time: 1 hr. 37 min.
MPAA Rating: Not Available
Distributors: Elysian Films
Official Website: Skinthemovie.net
Photos: Not Available
Review: Not Available
Trailers: Skin Trailer
3 Comments
I saw this film – it is an extraordinary story, and the performances are award worthy. A powerful new perspective about race and the meaninglessness of color. Bravo! Brav-O!
Interesting post i totally agree with the comments above. Keep writing
I love this movie and truly recommend this to everyone, it shows how far we have come and how far we have to go. I cried crocodile tears, but the movie was wonderful, so touching and emotional as true stories can be. The soundtrack and the actors are the BEST! Brilliant and deserves way more awards than it was given – as all good movies are!!