Watch The Forgiven

The Forgiven is a powerful drama film that explores the theme of forgiveness and redemption. The movie is set in post-apartheid South Africa and tells the story of an unusual encounter between an Archbishop named Desmond Tutu (played by Forest Whitaker) and a notorious convicted murderer named Piet Blomfeld (played by Eric Bana). The film takes the audience on a journey through the brutal history of apartheid in South Africa, highlighting the oppression, violence, and systematic discrimination that African people were subjected to during that time. It explores the aftermath of apartheid and the challenges that come with trying to rebuild a society that has been torn apart by violence and hatred. The Forgiven begins with the release of Blomfeld from prison, due to health reasons. The audience is immediately introduced to the complexities of his character. Blomfeld is a convicted murderer and a member of a white extremist group, responsible for committing heinous crimes against African people during apartheid. On the surface, he appears unrepentant and uninterested in seeking forgiveness for his past actions. Archbishop Tutu, on the other hand, is a man of faith who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and reconciliation. He has been instrumental in the fight against apartheid, and now serves as the chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a court-like body established to investigate and grant amnesty to perpetrators of apartheid-era crimes who come forward and confess their actions. The film follows the interaction between Blomfeld and Tutu as they meet in a prison cell in Cape Town. The two men engage in a verbal battle of sorts, with Blomfeld challenging Tutu's faith and beliefs. The exchanges are intense, and the tension between them is palpable. Gradually, though, the Archbishop's influence begins to change Blomfeld. Through their conversations, he begins to see the world from a different perspective, and begins to question some of his previous beliefs. Tutu challenges Blomfeld to confront the atrocities he committed and face up to the consequences of his past actions. The film is masterfully directed, and the performances are top-notch. Forest Whitaker, in particular, delivers a stunning portrayal of Desmond Tutu, capturing the essence of the Archbishop's character and the gravity of his mission. The Forgiven's script does an excellent job of exploring themes of remorse, forgiveness, and redemption. While the subject matter is heavy, the film never feels preachy, and the messages it conveys are subtle and nuanced. The movie's ending is particularly poignant, wrapping up the story in a way that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. In summary, The Forgiven is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes with intelligence and nuance. Eric Bana and Forest Whitaker deliver masterful performances, and the film's message resonates long after the credits have rolled. Highly recommended.