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I am the
master of my fate, I am captain of my soul. – Madiba
What better
than watching his biopic “Long walk to freedom” on this birthday week.
“Long walk
to freedom” is a powerful portrayal of Madiba and his fighting spirit for the
wellness of the South African society.
“Invictus” potrays him as a leader who inspires a country torn down by
separatism into what he calls the rainbow nation. This biopic is a step back from where
Invictus takes off.
A Gist…
Life and
times of Mandela from his childhood to his taking over the reins of the country
are packed in this movie of over 180mins. Idris Elba has etched the role of
Mandela and looks very much the boxer kind Madiba was.
Movie
begins with the young smart lawyer Mandel winning cases for the native against
the Afrikanas.
He gets
drawn to the political life and becomes a key figure of the African National
Congress adopting non violent methods of protest against Apartheid. Circumstances draw him into an armed struggle
against the government and lands him in Jail at the Robben Island.
Madiba
sacrificed every bit of his youth and personal life by placing welfare of the
society before his family. Winnie Mandela(Naomie
Harris)his life companion stands by him during his violent struggle and
imprisonment of 27 years, endures all pain inflicted on her and children by the
government.
Hard labor
at the Robben Island prison and prolonged separation from his family does not
deter the fighting spirit of Mandela.
Upon release he does find Winnie on a different plank of struggle (armed
one) and both part ways. Family parting
ways due to ideals of nationalistic struggle are bit hard to digest.
Mandela on
his release portrays the best of leadership qualities and preaches reconciliation
and abhors hatred towards the Afrikanas.
Movies ends with him getting elected the first native African President
of South Africa.
My take…
Justin
Chadwick (Director) has tried his best
to fit in the life of times of Madiba in this 180min quick journey. Felt bit rushed through in many of the
scenes, can’t help it – movies have their limitations in case of biopics to be
precise. Have better decided to get hold
the Autobiography on which the film is based on.
Idris Elba
looks good as the young Mandela, I would still rate Morgan Freeman as the best
fit for the “ old man Mandea”.
Overall a
nice watch and don’t miss to watch “Invictus” which unfolds the magic of the
old man Mandela - The true leader.
Best quote I would say in the movie “I have
walked a long walk to freedom. It has been a lonely road, and it is not over
yet. I know that my country, was not made to be a land of hatred. No one is
born hating another person because the color of his skin. People learn to hate.
They can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart.”
