Have just finished watching this film, which upset me greatly. Have also been to South Africa twice, around the time this film is set.
It is certainly hard-hitting, and the opening scenes tend to 'set the scene'. The slow but steady increase of pace hardly allows a break, and there are certainly few light moments.
Will never be able to view Nigel Hawthorne the same again. He came across as a very twisted individual, and I found myself disliking him more each time he appeared.
Totally agree with Steve-thomp's articulate and well thought-out comments.