The true story of Nelson Mandela, who overcame a 27-year-long 
​prison sentence to become the first democratic leader of South Africa.

BIOPIC/DRAMA

Mandela: Long Walk ​
​​to Freedom (2013)

​Directed by Justin Chadwick

Written by William Nicholson

Starring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge,
Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Simo Mogwaza, ​Fana Mokoena,
​Deon Lotz, Gys de Villiers

Based on the autobiography of Nelson Mandela

​Oscar Nominations - Best Original Song (Ordinary Love)

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Connor Eyzaguirre

​May 9, 2016

8/10

I'll be the first to admit that before I watched this film, I knew next to nothing about Nelson Mandela. I knew he was an inspirational figure, but I never really knew why. I'm glad I watched this film, because it's shown me that Mandela was one of the strongest men in human history and how his tireless efforts to free South Africa from apartheid led to a complete shift in power. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom tells his story, from his childhood in a rural village to his never-ending fight against injustice. Led by a powerful performance from Idris Elba, this film shows how one man truly can make a difference if he believes in something with all his heart.

As I said, Idris Elba gives it his all as Mandela, delivering what could be the performance of his career. It's hard sometimes to portray a larger than life figure like Nelson Mandela, but Elba does justice to the man's trials and tribulations. Frankly, it's disgusting that apartheid was national law in South Africa for so long. It's a barbaric, backward way of thinking and, even though it was in a dramatization, seeing it in action made me sick to my stomach. Films like this need to be seen around the world, so as to remind mankind of our most horrendous mistakes. People treating other people like garbage is an all too common thing even today. Men like Nelson Mandela fought for equal rights for all and when we let others live under oppression, we ignore their sacrifices.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is the definitive biopic of a great man, one who always put the needs of his people first. This film captures his strength, his devotion, his flaws, and his resolve. Most of all, it infuriates the rational mind. Mandela's treatment in prison was less than that of a dog, and he lived there for 18 years. Nelson Mandela is a man we can all look up to, if only to remind us to treat people with respect and dignity. His fight for total equality is ongoing and this film is a good place to start if you want to understand everything he did to begin it.