In My Country
Released in the wake ofHotel Rwanda,In My Countrytackles another grim chapter in African history. Set during South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the film is adapted from Antjie Krog'sCountry of My Skull. Oscar-winner Juliette Binoche (The English Patient) is Anna, an Africaans poet and broadcaster, and Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) is Langston, a Chicago reporter. The two meet during the hearings and take an instant dislike to each other. In due time, however, they come to an understanding and embark on a tentative affair, despite Anna's faith in the hearings and Langston's doubts. John Boorman, whose previous features were the underratedBeyond RangoonandThe Tailor of Panama, coaxes sensitive performances from his leads and sheds welcome light on an important event, butIn My Countrynever catches fire. Boorman regular Brendan Gleeson (The General), however, makes a memorable appearance as a sadistic police chief.--Kathleen C. Fennessy