| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| BaftaBaby |
Posted - 12/15/2009 : 11:21:19
Skin
Two excellent British black actresses are showcased this year. One is relative newcomer Naomie Harris [see my review of the Ian Dury film ], and the other is Sophie Okonedo who stars in Skin.
It's based on the true story of a white Afrikaans couple who have a black baby and what that means for Sandra, the little girl growing up in a society of hatred and apartheid.
Unlike most true stories, the film works because the scenes chosen for dramatization propel each chapter into a dramatic shape. The film allows the characters to develop and the unfolding of their tale room to breathe. Yes, there are a few places where relationships are too condensed, but they sacrifice secondary characters, not Sandra.
Both Sam Neill and Alice Krige reveal subtle changes and strengths as Sandra's parents, but Okonedo steals the show. She captures the simultaneous wonderment and confidence of adolescence as completely as the journey into a betrayed adulthood.
She's recently completed Winnie Mandela for UK TV. Let's hope she gets a more populist big-screen opportunity soon.
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