Review of A United Kingdom (2016) by Warwick B — 26 Jan 2017

This 1940s set love romance from Belle director Amma Asante is based on a book called Colour Bar, which tells the extraordinary real life story about a Botswana prince who marries a white Englishwoman.

It stars Rosamund Pike as Ruth Williams, a lowly white office worker and David Oyelowo as Seretse Khama, an Oxford educated, king-in-waiting, who battle the odds in British Empire Africa.

Asante's period drama is never less than entertaining and at times genuinely entertaining. Oyelowo, who is one the leading British actors of his generation, exudes quiet dignity and his chemistry with the delightful Pike, who transforms from shrinking violet to queen, is irresistible.

Sensational and uplifting, A United Kingdom is a remarkable true story and the most romantic film of the year.