Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (TBA) – Idris Elba, Naomie Harris and Tony Kgoroge, directed by Justin Chadwick
Many know the story of Nelson Mandela as a leader but few know the legacy of the man himself. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom follows the icon’s life from his schoolboy days to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment and finally his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.
The release of the historical biopic couldn’t come at a more vital time. Following the recent death of the political figure, many have become interested in the life of Mandela and what the leader went through in the run up to his election. While there may be a few awry portrayals of character here and there, the film mostly stays true to the story of Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement. Those who find Mandela’s 300-plus-page autobiography daunting may find it easier to take in the vast details by enjoying a shortened film version.
Though many would argue that no film could do the heroic acts of the late Mandela justice, Elba portrays the leader terrifically, capturing his unwavering stance on African people’s rights despite his own trials and tribulations. The film also takes a romantic tone with the captivating Harris portraying Mandela’s second wife Winnie.
Expect to be pulled in by Elba’s various uplifting speeches about liberty and freedom amid revelations of the gracious leader as a younger, more stubborn and strong-minded freedom fighter.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom hits cinemas this Thursday 26th December.
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