Soccer is far more than just a sport. It has both caused wars as well as resulted in a truce during World War I. But it also enriches our lives by allowing us to learn more about history and other cultures.

In preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, I want to share a movie recommendation. It’s not a soccer movie but it’s set in South Africa and tells the true story of Stephen Biko and the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa. The film is called Cry Freedom, and it’s a classic. Directed by Richard Attenborough, and starring Kevin Kline and Denzel Washington, the movie tells the story of the friendship between journalist Donald Woods and freedom fighter Steven Biko.

Watch the above trailer to get a preview of what the movie is about, and feel free to rent it from your local movie store or find it online. It’s in my top ten movies of all time. And especially with the 2010 World Cup around the corner, I feel it’s important to understand part of the history of South Africa to get a better appreciation of how far they’ve come in such a relatively short amount of time.