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.
Elba is full of gravitas and Harris laced with fire, and both crucially add a human touch to a story that threatens to become engulfed by politics. They alone make this worth a watch.
Elba tries to humanise the iconic politician wherever possible, but despite his efforts – and those of everyone involved – the film never quite manages to put the man in Mandela.
It’s never dull and is a fitting and timely tribute to one of the world’s most remarkable men.
Unfortunately, Long Walk To Freedom renders such complexities into simple black and white.
It’s vivid, substantial and works hard to be worthy, but as it ticks off the milestones of a monumental life it flickers more often than it really catches fire.
Ambitious in its span and powerful in its recreation of tumultuous times, this is a skilful dramatisation and a worthy celebration. Elba impresses mightily as the man, but just misses out on capturing the legend.
Justin Chadwick's film about Nelson Mandela tries to capture its subject's yearnings and regrets rather than just portraying him as the visionary and magnanimous "great man of history" who guided South Africa out of the apartheid era. Even so, the sense of boxes being ticked, key events covered, is never quite overcome.
If nothing else, you come out of the film with a sense of the man's remarkable rectitude, forbearance and political intelligence. But then you probably already had it on the way in.
If it is a bit stately, that is understandable: his life story really is extraordinary. The movie pays homage – in good faith.
Long Walk to Freedom covers the ground with aplomb and then erects a handsome shrine. It gives us the Mandela of history and allows the man to slip free.
Elba and Harris are on fire in this timely but laboured historical tribute.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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