Watch Have you seen Drum recently?

Have you seen Drum recently? is a 1989 drama film set in South Africa during the Apartheid era. Directed by Zola Maseko, the movie stars Peter Abrahams, Jacky Hays, and Miriam Makeba. The film depicts the struggles of black journalists and the role of media during the Apartheid era. The plot revolves around a group of journalists working for the Drum magazine, which was the only publication at the time that showcased black achievements and lifestyles. The group is led by Henry Nxumalo (Abrahams), who is portrayed as an ambitious and brave journalist. He and his team face numerous challenges while trying to document and report on the oppressive treatment of black people. However, their work does not go unnoticed and attracts attention from the authorities.

The movie is based on real events and is a portrayal of the work of Henry Nxumalo, who was a prominent journalist and anti-Apartheid activist. His investigative work showed the world the true extent of the discrimination and oppression of black South Africans during the Apartheid era. However, his work also resulted in his death, as he was thrown from a 10th-floor window in Police custody.

One of the strengths of this movie is its realistic portrayal of life under Apartheid. The movie showcases the brutality of oppression and the sense of hopelessness in the lives of black people. The audience is shown how the regime used the police and the media to suppress any dissent and how journalists put their lives on the line to uncover the truth.

The movie also features a strong theme of journalism. The film highlights the importance of the media as a watchdog on society and how journalists can be a force for good. The audience is shown how Henry Nxumalo and his team use journalism to expose the truth and inform the world of the inhumane treatment of black people. The movie also shows how free and independent media are essential to democracy.

The performances of the cast are exceptional, especially that of Peter Abrahams who portrays Henry Nxumalo with great skill and authenticity. Abrahams brings to life the emotions of a journalist who is passionate about his work and dedicated to revealing the truth. He also portrays the struggles of Nxumalo, who faces the danger and harassment of the authorities but remains undeterred in his mission.

Jacky Hays and Miriam Makeba also deliver noteworthy performances as members of the Drum magazine. Hays portrays a young journalist who is eager to learn from Nxumalo and is passionate about her work, while Makeba plays a prominent South African singer who becomes involved in the journalist’s activism.

The movie also has a strong visual style, with excellent cinematography that showcases the beauty and struggles of South Africa during the Apartheid era. The portrayal of the harshness of the police state and the courage of the journalists is contrasted with the beauty of the natural environment and the tradition of culture in South Africa.

Overall, Have you seen Drum recently? is a powerful and thought-provoking film that showcases the importance of journalism and exposes the realities of life in South Africa under Apartheid. The movie is a testament to the bravery of those who fought against oppression and is a reminder of the importance of freedom of the press in a democratic society.

Have you seen Drum recently? is a 1989 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.