100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 49: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Director: Justin Chadwick
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 146 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris

Description: A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's (Idris Elba) life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

Review: The British Justin Chadwick got the honors to direct the story of Nelson Mandela’s life. Mandela’s life was extraordinary: from a boy in a village he grew out to be a lawyer, was called a terrorist, a convicted criminal and eventually became president. The perfect story for a Hollywood film. Maybe “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” was a little bit too ambitious.
Autobiographies lend themselves for documentaries, it’s much harder to make it into a feature film. “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” often feels a bit messy, but it’s saved by the actors. Idris Elba is fantastic, with a convincing South African accent and a believable transformation from a short-tempered man to guru. And Noamie Harris touches you with a heart ripping performance as wife Winnie Mandela.
Because I idolized Mandela, it’s easier to see pass all the flaws. It’s an ode to the man who made such a difference in the world. Although it’s not the one people hoped for, it’s a warm ode to Nelson Mandela.

Rating: 3,5/ 5