Review of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) by Phil P — 06 Jan 2014

"Love comes more natural to the human heart".

2013 appears to have been a film of black rights with 'The Butler' and the upcoming (for UK) '12 Years A Slave'. And this 'Mandela' the most famous political prisoner of all time. A film strangely timed with the unfortunate passing of the man Just weeks before this films release. It will no doubt be a financial success as he is (understandably) a person of great interest to the public.

Based on the autobiography of the same name 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' tells just that. From his youth right through is prison sentence and then his release. All for the just the right to be free - something everyone deserves. I couldn't help but feel this is 'Mandela Lite' with its 12A rating there have clearly things been held back. It still contains some of the atrocities that befall him and the people of Africa. But I can't help but feel a great deal is missing - it might have been brutal and difficult to watch but if it's the story of 'Mandela' it has to be in here.

The nature of the man and his view on things are all present but the cause of impact isn't seen as greatly as it should have. Understanding the shift in views is key, at a base level its obvious but little is shown about what he saw from a personal view. There's a danger of liking this just for the sake of who its about and creating a false view - just to be respectful. But there are things wrong other than the lack of detail - the political moments aren't shown enough. However there are plenty of things it does right. Acting is brilliant and the prison shows the brutality and the attempted breaking of his spirit to great affect.

It might seem like i'm being harsh and only mentioning the negative but that's because this should be better, he deserves better. There's nothing terribly wrong it's just ok, muted, lite and too long. Idris Elba's performance will be the only thing remembered of this film, it's forgettable and that's the saddest thing of all. Fleeting moments of brilliance scattered in its mediocrity will be lost along with its potential.