Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Idris Elba (The Wire) is Nelson Mandela in this biopic, based on the anti-apartheid revolutionary's autobiography, charting the struggles that took him from South Africa's rural Cape region to armed struggle and arrest, and then to the president's mansion as his nation's first democratically elected leader. Naomie Harris (Skyfall) plays Mandela's wife and fellow freedom fighter Winnie. Directed by Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl).
"Born to be a Xhosa leader, he was trained in law, then drawn into resistance, then politics, then elevated to a reverence that approached sainthood. Mandela has lived one of the most remarkable lives of our time... Mandela is, above all, a love story. It's the story of Nelson and Winnie's passionate and troubled love affair that endured over decades. It's also the story of a leader who so loved his country that, through his beliefs, his actions, and his example, he transformed himself into the very embodiment of its greatest hopes." (Toronto International Film Festival)
- Director:
- Justin Chadwick ('The Other Boleyn Girl', 'The First Grader')
- Writer:
- William Nicholson
- Cast:
- Idris ElbaNaomie HarrisMark ElderkinRobert HobbsTheo LandeyGrant Swanby
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Adam Fresco
flicksJustin Chadwick's Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom aims high in trying to convey this amazing man’s life in just 140 minutes, when perhaps just a part of his story would have made for a more satisfying, less fragmented movie. Nonetheless, the strength of Mandela lies in the warts ‘n’ all humanity on display. This Nelson starts as no saint, taking up arms against a brutally oppressive regime before imprisonment transforms his violent struggle into one of peaceful resistance.
Engaging if not epic
I read a lot of FLICKS reviews before I go to the movies and this one prepared me pretty well. I had hoped for a far more epic treatment, fitting for such a great man, and until that great movie is made - this one will do. It made me get Mandela's autobiography out the library and was bold enough to show Nelson not just in an angelic light - so credit where...
Even better than expectation
Gripping, fascinating insight into the man, his background and South Africa itself and it's apartheid history.Very well paced, without any slow sentimentality. Superb acting and presents a well rounded picture of all involved in what made him the man he was. Great movie experience.
Variety
pressFor all its failings, there is one thing that can't be denied: Idris Elba gives a towering performance, a Mandela for the ages.
Total Film
pressAmbitious in its span and powerful in its recreation of tumultuous times, this is a skilful dramatisation and a worthy celebration.
Time Out
pressAs a primer, it's respectable; as cinema, it feels like a biblical gospel, always gearing up for the next big speech or moment.
The New York Times
pressMr. Elba is completely convincing as a natural leader with a ferocious drive.
The Guardian
pressIf it is a bit stately, that is understandable: his life story really is extraordinary. The movie pays homage - in good faith.
Hollywood Reporter
pressThe restrained intensity of Idris Elba's performance as Nelson Mandela ennobles this ambitiously sprawling biopic.
Empire Magazine
pressIt's vivid, substantial and works hard to be worthy, but as it ticks off the milestones of a monumental life it flickers more often than it really catches fire.
Flicks, Adam Fresco
flicksJustin Chadwick's Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom aims high in trying to convey this amazing man’s life in just 140 minutes, when perhaps just a part of his story would have made for a more satisfying, less fragmented movie. Nonetheless, the strength of Mandela lies in the warts ‘n’ all humanity on display. This Nelson starts as no saint, taking up arms against a brutally oppressive regime before imprisonment transforms his violent struggle into one of peaceful resistance.
Variety
pressFor all its failings, there is one thing that can't be denied: Idris Elba gives a towering performance, a Mandela for the ages.
Total Film
pressAmbitious in its span and powerful in its recreation of tumultuous times, this is a skilful dramatisation and a worthy celebration.
Time Out
pressAs a primer, it's respectable; as cinema, it feels like a biblical gospel, always gearing up for the next big speech or moment.
The New York Times
pressMr. Elba is completely convincing as a natural leader with a ferocious drive.
The Guardian
pressIf it is a bit stately, that is understandable: his life story really is extraordinary. The movie pays homage - in good faith.
Hollywood Reporter
pressThe restrained intensity of Idris Elba's performance as Nelson Mandela ennobles this ambitiously sprawling biopic.
Empire Magazine
pressIt's vivid, substantial and works hard to be worthy, but as it ticks off the milestones of a monumental life it flickers more often than it really catches fire.
Engaging if not epic
I read a lot of FLICKS reviews before I go to the movies and this one prepared me pretty well. I had hoped for a far more epic treatment, fitting for such a great man, and until that great movie is made - this one will do. It made me get Mandela's autobiography out the library and was bold enough to show Nelson not just in an angelic light - so credit...
Even better than expectation
Gripping, fascinating insight into the man, his background and South Africa itself and it's apartheid history.Very well paced, without any slow sentimentality. Superb acting and presents a well rounded picture of all involved in what made him the man he was. Great movie experience.
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