Tears of regret, tears of mourning, tears of triumph -- all of these glisten in the viewer's eyes when watching "Cry, the Beloved Country". Not only does this movie immerse the viewer in a roller coaster of emotions, but it also teaches about the devastation brought about by Apartheid in South Africa. The story follows a desperate priest, Stephen Kumalo, searching for answers and hope along a treacherous and winding path. During his journey he will encounter sorrow and death, which eventually blossoms into victory over oppression. "Cry, the Beloved Country" will teach, entertain, and prove to any observer that good can inhabit even the most evil places.
             One of the greatest evils ever to be present in South Africa was Apartheid. As good work became harder and harder to find, many blacks moved into the cities such as Johannesburg. Stephen Kumalo had two relatives who did such, and he eventually lost contact with them. He receives a letter from a fellow priest in the city urging him to come, and Stephen begins his trip not knowing what will lie ahead. As he searches through the city he finds his sister, who has been sucked into the dark, dirty underworld of the city as a prostitute. Stephen is filled with sorrow as he and the viewer discover exactly how destructive Apartheid has been on the lives of even the most innocent people. Struck by depression and regret, Stephen finds it hard to go on to what he fears may be a dismal result.
             Stephen Kumalo's next task is to find his son, Absalom, who he has not heard from in over a year. As his clues reveal more, Stephen learns the truth of his son's existence in Johannesburg. He discovers that Absalom has turned to life as a thief after having trouble finding work. Despite this, Stephen is still eager to find his son to try and save him while he still has a chance. However, as Stephen soon learns, he is too late. By the time he finds his so...