: The movie depicts the brutality of the South African police force during the late 1970s and the rising tide of the Black Consciousness Movement. Cultural Impact

It is frequently used as an educational tool to introduce viewers to the history of the and the life of Steve Biko. Grita libertad (1987)

: One of the film's most resonant quotes highlights the danger of truth to an oppressive regime: "You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire. Once the flame begins to catch, the wind will blow it higher."

The film received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington.