Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013)

A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

Director:

Justin Chadwick

Writers:

William Nicholson (screenplay), Nelson Mandela (autobiography)

Stars:

Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 12 wins & 29 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Idris Elba	...	Nelson Mandela
Naomie Harris	...	Winnie Madikizela
Tony Kgoroge	...	Walter Sisulu
Riaad Moosa	...	Ahmed Kathrada
Zolani Mkiva	...	Raymond Mhlaba
Simo Mogwaza	...	Andrew Mlangeni
Fana Mokoena	...	Govan Mbeki
Thapelo Mokoena	...	Elias Motsoaledi
Jamie Bartlett	...	James Gregory
Deon Lotz	...	Kobie Coetzee
Terry Pheto	...	Evelyn Mase
Zikhona Sodlaka	...	Nosekeni
S'Thandiwe Kgoroge	...	Albertina Sisulu
Tshallo Sputla Chokwe	...	Oliver Tambo
Sello Maake Ka-Ncube	...	Albert Luthuli (as Sello Maake)

Storyline

Nelson Mandela is a South African lawyer who joins the African National Congress in the 1940s when the law under the Apartheid system's brutal tyranny proves useless for his people. Forced to abandon peaceful protest for armed resistance after the Sharpeville Massacre, Mandela pays the price when he and his comrades are sentenced to life imprisonment for treason while his wife, Winnie, is abused by the authorities herself. Over the decades in chains, Mandela's spirit is unbowed as his struggle goes on in and beyond his captivity to become an international cause. However, as Winnie's determination hardens over the years into a violent ruthlessness, Nelson's own stature rises until he becomes the renowned leader of his movement. That status would be put to the test as his release nears and a way must be found to win a peaceful victory that will leave his country, and all its peoples, unstained.

---

Plot Keywords:

nelson mandela | president | resistance | africa | apartheid | 

---

Taglines:

It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of violence and disturbing images, sexual content and brief strong language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site Official site [France]

Country:

UK South Africa France

Language:

English Afrikaans Xhosa

Release Date:

25 December 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mandela: Un long chemin vers la liberté

Filming Locations:

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$84,283, 1 December 2013, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$8,323,085

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$27,984,870

Company Credits

Production Co:

Videovision Entertainment,Distant Horizon,Film Afrika Worldwide

Technical Specs

Runtime:

141 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was in development for many years, initially with Morgan Freeman attached to play Nelson Mandela. These plans were scuppered when Freeman chose to play Mandela in Clint Eastwood's Invictus (2009).

---

Goofs

When Nelson Mandela is released from prison on 11th February 1990, there is a Mercedes W140 waiting which was first manufactured in August 1991.

---

Quotes

Nelson Mandela: 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.

---

Connections

Featured in 71st Golden Globe Awards (2014)

---

Soundtracks

Ekuseni Ngomgqibelo Bamkhululu Mandela
Traditional arranged by Thando Mathe
Performed by The Cast
Published by Fat Mama Publishing

User Reviews

Excellent film. Must watch.

As a 37 year old white South African, who never really saw, felt or experienced Apartheid and the way SA was back then as I was too young, I now have a much better appreciation for all the suffering, discrimination and pain that was caused.

Nelson Madela gave up most of his adult life for a cause which has now come full circle and SA is now better off for it, mostly.

A powerful movie, that shows a man more passionate about equality and human rights than his own well being, and sadly at the detriment of his own family.

I strongly recommend every single South African to watch this movie, especially our current government!