Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Idris Elba | ... | Nelson Mandela | |
Naomie Harris | ... | Winnie Madikizela | |
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Tony Kgoroge | ... | Walter Sisulu |
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Riaad Moosa | ... | Ahmed Kathrada |
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Zolani Mkiva | ... | Raymond Mhlaba |
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Simo Mogwaza | ... | Andrew Mlangeni |
Fana Mokoena | ... | Govan Mbeki | |
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Thapelo Mokoena | ... | Elias Motsoaledi |
Jamie Bartlett | ... | James Gregory | |
Deon Lotz | ... | Kobie Coetzee | |
Terry Pheto | ... | Evelyn Mase | |
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Zikhona Sodlaka | ... | Nosekeni |
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S'Thandiwe Kgoroge | ... | Albertina Sisulu |
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Tshallo Sputla Chokwe | ... | Oliver Tambo |
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Sello Maake Ka-Ncube | ... | Albert Luthuli (as Sello Maake) |
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. Written by Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol@rogers.com)
Nelson Mandela is a man that should be remembered for his incredible fighting spirit that not only helped him achieve his goals, but also be remembered as an important leader to his people. When making movie about such an iconic and historic figure, one has to cast the perfect actor. Idris Elba was very much the right man for the job. The actor is Mandela in every scene he appears and shares the same emotions as our real life protagonist. This is clearly one of the best roles of the year and one of my personal favorites. Naomie Harris is not far off either as Winnie, Madiba's second wife, a woman who stands by her man during his imprisonment, and slowly drifts apart from him as she no longer feels she knows him and his intentions. Much has been said about the movie's plot flaws, something I do not agree with as I found it to be quite entertaining and a great homage to the legend that is Nelson Mandela. Great performances in a fantastic movie.
Rating 8/10