10s Movie Review - A United Kingdom

Director: Amma Asante
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 111 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Tom Felton, Jack Davenport

Description: The story of King Seretse Khama of Botswana (David Oyelowo) and how his loving but controversial marriage to a British white woman, Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), put his kingdom into political and diplomatic turmoil.

Review: Whenever a film starts with the words ‘based on a true story’, the film makers have two choices: tell the actual facts or exaggerate a bit a make it more Hollywood like. The last is often the more popular choice, but director Amme Asante choose the first option. “A United Kingdom” tells a strong tale of forbidden love, discrimination and political distress, without any.
We end up in London in the late 40s, where Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams meat each other in a stylish jazz bar and have a undeniable click. They seem like an impossible couple, because Seretse is supposed to follow his uncle as the king of Bechuanaland (later Botswana). A marriage between him an a British typist would not be appreciated back in Africa. But Seretse and Ruth take the risk, marry and travel to Bechuanaland to start their life together.
Seretse and Ruth have to overcome many obstacles. The British government want to kick Seretse off the throne, while the citizens of Bechuanaland slowly come to peace with Ruth’s presence. But she still has to stand strong in the place she now calls home.
The script is factual, but it also feels refreshing. It often feels more like a documentary then a melodramatic love story. “A United Kingdom” is a really strong film, also thanks to David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike. They fill in their characters really well. The start of the film, which is also the start of their romance, feels a bit rushed. But the rest of the film takes its time to tell a beautiful story.
“A United Kingdom” tells a real life struggle and has a strong message.

Rating: 4 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 33: Kingsman: The Secret Service

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Genre: Action/ Crime/ Adventure/ Comedy

Runtime: 116 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Mark Hamill, Sofia Boutella, Michael Caine, Sophie Cookson, Jack Davenport

Description: A spy organization recruits unrefined, but promising street kid Eggsy (Taron Egerton) into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius (Samuel L. Jackson).

Review: Yeah to the spy movie! Matthew Vaughn made one of his best with “Kingsman: The Secret Service”. Pretty good for a movie I didn’t really expect much from. Vaughn, who made movies like “Kick-Ass” and “Layer Cake” really exceeds himself this time. The movie has everything you need for the next two hours: elegance, a good cast and a great script. But it’s overall its youthful character that makes this film so pleasurable. It’s like Vaughn just watched his first spy movie and jumped into this project with childlike nativity and creativity.

Based on the comic book series “The Secret Service” by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” shows us how secret agent Harry Hart recruits rebel Eggsy. Hart gets Eggsy in to a secret agency called The Kingsmen.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” is full of nostalgic: the love for the spy movie genre is clearly present. But you can’t compare it to other movies in that genre. Vaughn managed to create something that stands on its own and is fresh and bold. Everything that makes a spy movie great is present: extravagant gadgets, a charismatic villain, stylish spies, beautiful women and a cool soundtrack.

Colin Firth, the face of British cinema, is good as always. Stylish and proud he shines as bad-ass spy. If you think he’s stiff, then this movie might change your mind. Who would have thought that Firth could easily overpower a pub full of rioters? Also Samuel L. Jackson is convincing as the bad guy, although I don’t know why he has that weird lisp. But it’s in fact new guy Taron Egerton, who plays Eggsy, who wins over our hearts.

“Kingsman: The Secret Service” succeeds in being funny and exciting consistently, without overdoing it. It’s a real joy, from beginning ‘till end and time flies when you’re watching it. “Kingsman: The Secret Service” is cinema with balls, a movie that will give you a grin even after you left the theater.

Rating: 4/ 5