Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

A biographical film about the life of Nelson Mandela. The narrative starts in the countryside, continues with his years as a lawyer in Johannesburg and then moves into politics. The decision to turn to armed action when peaceful resistance produced nothing, the trial and the imprisonment come in order. The longest section is Robben Island. The years are measured in quarry work, in the number of letters allowed and in visiting permits. The narrative also shows the change there: the man does not harden in prison but moves closer to the idea of negotiation. The second line is Winnie Mandela. Outside she is detained, banished and left alone; their politics steadily diverge. The film does not conceal that divergence. The source is Mandela's own autobiography. Idris Elba plays Mandela and Naomie Harris plays Winnie. Justin Chadwick directed. On the night of the film's London premiere the news of Mandela's death arrived, and the screening ended with that news. A comprehensive production for anyone who likes biographical films and recent history. For a viewer looking for depth, the film compresses a very long period and passes quickly over certain years.