A young boy, probably 7 years old, loses his father, then not long later, his mother, to death. He is cared for by several men. In boarding school he is abused, but gets free of the abuse. Another man befriends him and essentially raises him, teaching him to be kind and sensitive. He also introduces him to another man who teaches him to box and defend himself.
There are other themes. Apartheid, racism. There are some really violent scenes in which people are beaten to death by white supremecists. That's not easy to watch, but I guess it's a part of reality.
The kid is really a golden boy. He's adorable as a child. He tells his story in the voice of the age he is in the story. As a young teen, perhaps 14, he becomes a leader and helps reconcile various tribal factions in a prison situation. He leads a singing concert. That's my favorite part of the movie.
On stage, he is speaking the languages of the tribes, conducting the parts of the song. He is really loose and free in his swaying and undulating to the rhythm of the music. Those several scenes are magic. Not only because of the story but also because of the beauty of the lad, and his uninhibited and free character.
I don't recall any scenes of nudity with the boy, but everything about him is beautiful.
You'll fall in love with him, you'll be outraged at the abuse he endured, and you'll see hope. You'll also see the ugliness of racism.
A beautiful movie, well worth the time.