David Stratton of Variety wrote "The tense, divided realities of life in contemporary South Africa are vividly brought to the screen in 'Friends,' a provocative pic from first-time writer-director Elaine Proctor.

Despite intriguing characters and good performances, however, the film is saddled with a schematic screenplay that leaves many questions unanswered and problems unaddressed.

"[2] Stratton contended though the screenplay has "many rough edges and contrivances", Friends "is so well-acted that the occasional flaws can be easily overlooked.

"[3] Barbara Shulgasser, writing for the San Francisco Examiner, was more critical, stating, "Fox and Kente give stirring performances and Procter's depiction of South Africa's institutionalized prejudice is chilling.

"[4] Friends was shown in competition at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival, where it won a Prix de Camera D’Or - Special Mention honor.