REVIEW: MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

Another critically-acclaimed film comes to Malaysian cinemas. Released in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2013, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom has garnered widespread for the performance of its actors and storyline depicting former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a British production written William Nicholson and adapted from the biography Long Walk to Freedom written by Nelson Mandela himself. The film is directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) which stars Idris Elba (Thor, Pacific Rim) in the title role and Naomie Harris (Skyfall) as Winnie Mandela.

How will this ‘based on a true story’ film fare up with other films? Do read on…

Idris Elba as Mandela doing his trademark fist in the air punch.

SYNOPSIS:

This is the true story of former South African President Nelson Mandela’s early beginnings, his resistance towards the apartheid treatment in his country, his relationships, his love life, his time in prison, and his determination to unite his beloved South Africa.

SCRIPT:

Quite good. The film had a well-structured 3 act storyline. It starts of with his reasons for struggles, his prison time as price for his rebellion, and his continuing ambition to unite South Africa as an old man. However, the story tends to sway off-topic from time to time which makes it annoying to follow but eventually, It pulls you back in, The dialogue was quite simplified. It does feel historically accurate.

Mandela fighting for freedom

ACTING:

Powerful performance from both the leads Idris Elba and Naomie Harris. You can feel the sympathy from the characters they are portraying. Even some of the supporting cast gave a stellar performance. Both Elba and Harris gave award worthy performances.

FILMING:

Pretty well done. Director Justin Chadwick manages to capture the atrocities of the apartheid movement in South Africa. Nice camera angles and good editing in making it fast-paced and interesting. Although the movie tends to sway in many direction, Chadwick managed to construct a powerful half an hour of the film. There are some nice shots portraying the scenic beauty of South Africa.

Idris Elba as Mandela being locked in jail

PACING:

A little slow in the beginning and middle but powerful towards the end.

TONE (MOOD):

Going against authority in order to seek independence and equality.

Mandela after being freed.

DOWNSIDE:

Slow drama, slightly messy plot, and lacked the uplifting spirit I was hoping for.

UPSIDE:

Good lessons in learning the history of Nelson Mandela and the apartheid movement in South Africa.

Halfway through the film, Mandela returns to his home in the Africa countryside

OVERALL:

Decent drama with strong performance from the lead actors. Worth a watch

RATING:

8 out of 10.