Synopsis: Both her father (Sam Neill) and mother (Alice Krige) are white, but Sandra Laing (Sophie Okonedo) is born with dark skin -- a complex problem in the era of South African apartheid that soon drives a wedge into the family in this poignant drama based on a true story. Though her parents fight to have the government classify her as white, Sandra grows up in a divided world, and experiences her parents can't understand make her question her identity.
source: Netflix
It's an idea that is difficult to conceive of, but I have heard of such a case in the UK where a Mother had twin boys. One was white and the other was black. There was a scientific explanation that was plausible and if my memory serves me well, it was because the Mother conceived through IVF. Makes more sense that this film, but nonetheless, it was beautifully told and ultimately it was more of a coming-of-age story in the backdrop of a difficult, ugly and brutal time in South African history. Sandra is beautiful, regardless of her skin color and in an effort to discover herself, she explore herself through her skin color and ventures into a different world, only to find herself yearning to go home.
It's a solid tear jerker, with moments where you will find yourself smiling. It's a very heavy film, but an education for those of you who are oblivious to South African history, apartheid, racism, or good story telling.
Grab some popcorn and issues and snuggle up with someone who can reassure you that "
everything will be okay."
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