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35 of 36 people found the following review helpful
By jrhartley
Format:DVD
I have to confess, I had some trepidation before going to see this film - on paper, I thought it had the potential to be a little dry - the memoires of one of Nelson Mandela's prison guards... I can only say that Joseph Fiennes probably betters his brother's performance in The Constant Gardener in this film, and with the exception of some slightly suspect wigs towards the end Dennis Haysbert is quietly powerful in his portrayal of the incarcerated Nelson Mandela. The story works well at identifying common ground the white guard and his charge share, without being overly sentimental or soppy - there is a strong sense of mutual respect and honour that permeates this film, which is entirely as you'd expect given the reason for the story. The supporting actors do a fine job and the film ticks along at a well-timed pace - at no point did I feel the director was playing for time whilst equally not rushing the transformation of prison warder James Gregory's staunch anti-integrationist opinions into a close friend and occasional accomplice to Mandela. Definitely up there with the recent batch of Africa-based stories like Shooting Dogs, Hotel Rwanda and the Last King of Scotland.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
What we see in this film is the affect Mandela had on all types of people, in this case a white man who was his guard in different ways over many years who was forced to hate the South African blacks and believe that the Apartheid was right, good and even approved by God! However deep inside he was torn simply because his best friend, when he was a child, was black. By playing with his friend he learnt one of the black languages, which is how he became Mandela's guard in the first place.
Despite this film being a true story which in my opinion always makes films greater, I didn't think this film was a great film because it doesn't reveal much about Mandela's personality, but it is good. I would definately recommend it because it inspired me. Thanks to this film I found out about the South African Freedom Charter.
Despite this film being a true story which in my opinion always makes films greater, I didn't think this film was a great film because it doesn't reveal much about Mandela's personality, but it is good. I would definately recommend it because it inspired me. Thanks to this film I found out about the South African Freedom Charter.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It is probably hard to entice an audience with subject matter that may now seem outdated to some. However this is a healthy reminder of the brutality of the Apartheid regime in South Africa and the courage of Mandela and his followers. The mellowing of his prison officer, Warrant Office Gregory, was sensitively portrayed.
Haysbert's attempt at replicating Mandela's accent was hugely impressive. Unfortunately, Feinnes' Sud Afrikan accent was so good I could hardly understand what he was saying.
Fabulous performances from the entire cast. The period pieces had an authentic feel. This well directed film deserves our attention.
Haysbert's attempt at replicating Mandela's accent was hugely impressive. Unfortunately, Feinnes' Sud Afrikan accent was so good I could hardly understand what he was saying.
Fabulous performances from the entire cast. The period pieces had an authentic feel. This well directed film deserves our attention.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
DVD finally arrived
This DVD is I'm sure very good which is why I ordered it - but it never arrived. Please help track it down.
17.5. Read more
17.5. Read more
Published 13 days ago by Sweet Glory
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heartwarming
This movie simply shows how Bafana can unite a country. A very heartwarming tale set in a tuly tragic era
Published 16 days ago by Martin Griffith
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting perspective
A different take on modern history. Enjoyable film from the 'inside'. No idea if accurate portrayal but feasible. Worth a watch if it's cheap enough.
Published 1 month ago by M. Flynn
3.0 out of 5 stars
Redemption
This is a film based on James Gregory's (JG) book, which has the same title. JG is a white policeman in Apartheid South Africa who was selected to guard the anti-apartheid black... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Oldtimer
3.0 out of 5 stars
DVD
Its a DVD it plays,. pack as described all good quality arrived within 10 days of ordering ok for the price
Published 5 months ago by Steve
5.0 out of 5 stars
a truly well put together piece of history
This film is a must , Totaly superb film ,Couldnt fault the casting or the script,I found myself gradually feeling empathy for the struggle against apartheid in south Africa and it... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Kevin Hay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
A must to watch an excellent film without frills but very powerful, the factual use of language will still astound the viwer.
Published 9 months ago by musicbonkers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent movie with depth and quality.
Why is this movie not better known? Even those i consider film buffs haven't heard of it. I have now watched it 3 times and given copies to several friends. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Farmalama
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ndikum
Great movie. Gives an almost perfect synopsis of Mandela life in prison and the period leading to his release. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Ndikum
3.0 out of 5 stars
Worthy, but Uninspired
This is a workmanlike, routine study of James Gregory, (Joseph Fiennes) the prison guard assigned to Nelson Mandela on Robben Island and his burgeoning relationship with the ANC... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Tim Kidner
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