Review of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) by Yuk Jiun L — 11 Jan 2014

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is another biopic drama film about one of the world's most revered leaders, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's remarkable life story, based on his 1994 memoir. Early in the film, we get to see his brief transition to adulthood, his job as a lawyer before joining the ANC(African National Congress) fight against South Africa's white oppressors.

The film shows a passionate man who truly cares about equality and human rights and his dedication has its toll on his personal life...how his first marriage crumbled because his wife couldn't take his long absences from her and how his second wife, Winnie ultimately suffered when she is taken and tortured by the authorities. Furthermore, as a result of his arrest and conviction for those actions taken to defy the oppressive government, he spent 27 years away from his young family, couldn't see his children growing up, unable to be with his wife or his son's funeral. Not to mention, the abuse he received from the guards when he's a prisoner on Robben Island. These were some truly emotional heart-wrenching moments.

The Sharpeville massacre occurred on 21 March 1960 depicted in the film is truly shocking. Without hesitation, the police opened fire on the crowd of ordinary people. By 1948, when Apartheid has become a law in South Africa, we can clearly see that it's truly a violation of human rights when black citizens segregated from the white facilities and there is a strong military presence around the neighborhoods constantly monitoring them. It serves as a reminder for all of us about the atrocities committed by people to its own kind.

Idris Elba managed to provide a good performance as Mandela in conveying his regrets in not being able to be with his wife and children all those years. However, his portrayal of the character is unconvincing at times due to his large, muscular body size. Another noteworthy performance is Naomie Harris' portrayal of second wife Winnie, Mandela's gentle and loving soulmate to an aggressive, unforgiving, ideological opponent when he is freed.

While the film does a great job in showing the history, the film lacks the insight needed for the film to truly shine. The film doesn't provide the thought processes of Mandela in why and how he reach a decision to forgive the people who put him in prison for most of his life. More dialogues are needed to delve into the troubled relationship between Mandela and Winnie after been separated for 27 years.

While the film does have its faults, it's still a faithful appraisal of the man about his life, his failures and achievements in ensuring peace, forgiveness and reconciliation for an entire nation. It shows that one human, despite his flaws, can make a difference to the world.

Rating: 8.5/10.

"During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." - Mandela.

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." - Mandela.