MANDELA: Long Walk to Freedom

I saw the biopic 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' last night and my mind is blown away by how beautifully this film was put together. Mandela's life story from being a charismatic young lawyer to his imprisonment and life after is presented in this movie, allowing the audience to learn of his life accomplishments and more documented struggles, as well as reflections on Mandela's personal character.

There are many details I was not familiar before seeing this film which educated me and also encouraged me to read the autobiography of which this film is based on. There are so many points of reference in this film that mark specific turns in Mandela's life and even more that either could not be revealed or were revealed only slightly as there was not enough time to fill in everything. Mandela's life was extraordinary so of course one film cannot show his experiences justice.

However, this film is still expertly made, doing a superb job of presenting the journey of Mandela's life satisfyingly, evoking pure emotion at the plight of this remarkable man. Idris Elba may not look like the man he is playing, but he certainly delivers in his acting, bringing the spirit of Mandela to the screen. This is an incredible achievement for Idris, who had alot to prove to the audience upon seeing the film. You realise why he was chosen to play Mandela - he is a refined enough actor to pull it off. 

Naomie Harris deserves so much praise also for her supporting role as Winnie Mandela. There is enough material to make a separate film on Winnie, however Naomie makes her mark in this biopic, giving all she can in every scene she is in. She portrays the frustration and determination for Winnie to be heard so strongly, I was so drawn in by her performance. Idris and Naomie definitely deserve Oscar nominations for their work in now one of my favourite films.