By P. Erik Meyer ’14
THE ROUNDUP

Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto

 7 out of 10

“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” was an interesting film that documented in great detail the South African’s political career and his life in and out of prison.

Idirs Elba, who plays Mandela, does an impressive job as he even impersonates Mandela’s distinctive strut to a tee.

By the end of the movie, Elba closely resembles the older Mandela in appearance as well.

The movie could be easily summarized as detailing the life of Nelson Mandela; not just the life, but also more specifically his actions and his beliefs.

The audience will primarily be entertained by witnessing his revolutionary activity, imprisonment and his role in ending the apartheid.

The movie is knocked a few points because it failed to detail Mandela’s life as a young boy growing up in rural Africa and the movie does not provide depth into Mandela’s presidency or life after presidency.

Despite those crucial details being left out, the film depicts Mandela’s beliefs and rise to power with great care.

I respect the filmmakers who do not shy away from pointing out that Mandela was not perfect.

He had more than one wife and did at times resort to violence.

Violence is demonstrated with gripping reality during later portions of the film and helps set the tone of the importance of Mandela’s efforts to restore peace and lead his people to freedom.

Cinematography is another reason for the high rating.

During the brief focus of Mandela’s early and later life, the film renders a spectacular, simple African plain.

It also shows the Orlando Township, where Mandela and many other black South Africans are confined to in detail.

Mandela’s autobiography is the basis for the movie, which helps provide historical accuracy.

Before seeing the movie I would recommend brushing up on a little bit of Mandela history so that you are not left behind.

Overall the movie is well made, historically accurate and one that I would be willing to see again.