The indoctrination of Gerrit Wolfaardt is complete: his family traditions, history, culture- even his church-have taught him that black South Africans are a cancer in the land. Under the eye of prominent members of the government and military, Gerrit develops a diabolical plan to rid South Africa of its "black danger." Before his plans can be carried out, he meets two people who will put him on a collision course with his future: Celeste, an open-minded University student, and Peter Lekota, a pastor who challenges Gerrit's prejudice. His "final solution" meets its greatest obstacle when Gerrit realizes he is wrong. The Persecutor becomes the Peacemaker and begins to seek reconciliation between whites and blacks. However, in the turbulent last days of apartheid, there are those who doubt his transformation. One such person is Moses Moremi, whom Gerrit had once violently attacked. In the end, it is Moses who must choose between peace and bloodshed.
Acting
Jan Ellis sells a believable monster-to-man journey.
Writing
Doesn't flinch from showing how hate is taught, not born.
Director
Cristobal Krusen
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released in 2001, the film arrived as South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was still processing raw wounds—making its 'forgiveness wins' message either timely or dangerously premature depending on who you asked.
Director Cristobal Krusen was actually a missionary in South Africa before filmmaking; the Peter Lekota character is partly autobiographical, which explains why the spiritual conversion arc hits harder than the political one.
US
