SummaryWhen Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Forest Whitaker) is appointed to head a nationwide investigation, he’s summoned to a maximum-security prison by a notorious murderer seeking clemency (Eric Bana). Inside the brutal prison walls, Tutu is drawn into a dangerous, life-changing battle with the cunning criminal.
Directed By:Roland Joffé
Written By:Michael Ashton, Roland Joffé
The Forgiven
Metascore
Mixed or Average
41
User score
Generally Favorable
6.1
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
22% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
56% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
22% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Mar 9, 2018
83
The most powerful scene in the movie, and the one that most fully encompasses its meaning, belongs to Mrs. Morobe (the marvelous Thandi Makhubele).
Mar 5, 2018
63
Roland Joffé's film is largely successful in its attempt to grapple with the terrible truths of apartheid and its legacy.
Mar 8, 2018
50
Featuring excellent performances by Forest Whitaker as Tutu and Eric Bana as an imprisoned racist government death-squad assassin seeking clemency, The Forgiven tackles its important political and social issues in an overly talky fashion.
Mar 8, 2018
50
When the movie can stay out of its own way, it delivers some powerful scenes, including one in which Blomfeld faces down a would-be assassin (Nandiphile Mbeshu, superb) in a prison shower room. But beyond that, the movie offers conventional gratifications and no surprises.
Mar 8, 2018
50
Tutu and Blomfeld's confrontations have vigor and commitment but don't build to the requisite catharsis.
Mar 8, 2018
30
Unfortunately, this movie has so many damn things percolating all through it that it ultimately seems unfocused and painfully earnest.
Mar 9, 2018
0
The Forgiven consequently only succeeds as an ugly, empty-headed provocation.
User score
Generally Favorable
29% Positive
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
71% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jul 1, 2022
5
Chastain looked good, Fiennes was solid to great per usual, setting was interesting. Plotting was dull.
Sep 15, 2018
5
Dramatic and political thriller, based on real events. Interesting and moderately acceptable performances but its pace does not favor it and despite the attractiveness of the story, the film never manages to make you care enough and heading towards its final half hour you will be eager for it to end.
