Set at the end of the 1960s, as Swaziland is about to receive independence from United Kingdom, the film follows the young Ralph Compton, at 12, through his parents' traumatic separation, till he's 14.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Nicholas HoultRalph Compton - 14 years | Ralph Compton - 14 years |
 Gabriel ByrneHarry Compton | Harry Compton |
 Emily WatsonRuby Compton | Ruby Compton |
 Julie WaltersGwen Traherne | Gwen Traherne |
 Miranda RichardsonLauren Compton | Lauren Compton |
 Celia ImrieLady Riva Hardwick | Lady Riva Hardwick |
| ZZac FoxRalph Compton - 11 years | Ralph Compton - 11 years |
 Julian WadhamCharles Bingham | Charles Bingham |
 Fenella WoolgarJune Broughton | June Broughton |
 John MatshikizaDr. Zim Mzimba | Dr. Zim Mzimba |
| SSid MitchellVernon | Vernon |
 John CarlisleSir Giffard Hardwick | Sir Giffard Hardwick |
| MMathokoza SibiyaDozen | Dozen |
| SSindisiswe NxumaloRegina | Regina |
 Michael RichardTobias | Tobias |
| CCaroline SmartTaj | Taj |
 Ian RobertsJohn Traherne | John Traherne |
| OOlivia GrantMonica | Monica |
| SSibusiso MambaFather Ndlovu | Father Ndlovu |
| TTony HattonMr. Parker | Mr. Parker |
| CClare MarshallMrs. Malaga | Mrs. Malaga |
| KKim BorrellBunny | Bunny |
 Angus ImrieBoy in Crowd | Boy in Crowd |