Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Review
By David Kempler
Walk, Don't Run to See it
Unless you are completely unaware of recent history, you are probably aware of the larger-than-life saga of Nelson Mandela. From idealist to revolutionary, to political prisoner, to his improbable rise of running the country that imprisoned him, Nelson Mandela is an icon among icons.
Director Justin Chadwick, with a screenplay from William Nicholson, adapted from Mandela's autobiography, has undertaken the almost impossible task of presenting all of this within a single movie, "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom". He manages to squeeze much of it in, and he needs every inch of two-and-a-half hours to do it. Because of the subject and the restriction of time, and the already oft-told story, Chadwick is truly up against rough odds. Despite all of these obstacles, he manages to mostly pull it off, primarily because of an outstanding performance by Idris Elba in the title role.
One issue here is the portrayal of Mandela as a human being almost without human faults. The only weakness tossed our way is his cheating on his first wife, but that is glossed over and it is justified so that he can find his true partner, Winnie (Naomie Harris). From that point on, Mandela does nothing wrong. He is portrayed as perfect. He is brilliant and kind in a way that is almost unimaginable. There is little doubt that what Mandela accomplished in his lifetime was magnificent, but no one is as perfect as he is portrayed here. Since it came from Mandela's autobiography, I suppose it is understandable.
One cannot deny the importance of Nelson Mandela's life and Idris Elba does it justice. We believe he is channeling Mandela. Even his appearance is a match, partially through acting prowess, and in his elderly years, makeup helps out. Oddly, Winnie hardly ages. Even when Mandela is 70, Winnie could pass for 40. I know that she was younger, in reality, but come on.
"Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" works as both history lesson and entertainment. Despite its length, it never drags. I can't call it great, perhaps because the story has been told so often and because it is all so positive in its examination of the lead that it takes on a fairytale-like quality. Yet, there is no doubt that it is a great story and that it features a fabulous acting job by Elba. It is worth the walk to see it.
