Review of A United Kingdom (2016) by Mark C — 11 Jan 2017

Having developed an interest in and knowledge of the history and culture of Botswana through the delightful "Number One Ladies Detective Agency" books by Alexander McCall Smith, I found this British-made movie told an extraordinary and inspiring story of the evolution of the British Protectorate of Bechuanaland to the independent nation of Botswana. It was told with beautiful cinematography and all the style that only the British can bring to historical drama.

The story is of the King of Bechuanaland and head of the tribe, who when educated in London, meets and marries a British woman, coming up against the emerging apartheid ideology and the shock of his people.

Excellent performances by David Oyelowo as Seretse Khama (channelling his performance as Dr Martin Luther King in Selma) and Rosamund Pike as his wife, with Jack Davenport and Tom Felton as the protagonists of the British colonial ideal.

I was completely engaged throughout this movie, with moments of laughter, tension and tears.

Highly recommended - and try to see it on the big screen to fully appreciate the beauty of the land in which it is set.