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When Nelson Mandela passed away at 95 years old on December 5th, the world mourned the loss of a history-making radical and inspiring world leader. And as people from all nations continue to celebrate Mandela’s life, the timing couldn’t be better for the release of director Justin Chadwick’s Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
This extensive biopic introduces Idris Elba’s Mandela as a young lawyer, defending the nation’s native citizens from injustice. Though he initially resists frequent invitations to join the African National Congress, a friend’s death at the hand of white police officers inspires him to join the fight for change.
The film follows the inspiring leader’s story for more than 50 years. It touches on his marriage to Winnie (Naomie Harris), his years of imprisonment, his 1990 release, and his 1994 presidential election, illustrating his dedication to the cause and the sacrifices that he and his family made throughout his quest for racial equality.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a lengthy and ambitious bio, covering nearly every aspect of Mandela’s life—at least for a second or two. Instead of depicting him as a saintly figure, it’s an honest portrayal, taking the good with the bad as it shows both his virtues as a leader and his shortcomings as a husband and father. In trying to cover more than 50 years in a relatively brief 139 minutes, however, it sacrifices some of the story’s emotional impact. It’s a story told in snippets and glimpses—and, for that reason, it’s not easy to get a real grasp on the action and drama of Mandela’s life. Especially in the beginning, it feels distant and detached, as though it’s simply getting the background stuff out of the way.
Eventually, though, the film’s rapid-fire pace begins to slow down. It takes a closer look at the suffering of the South African people while examining Mandela’s character and his commitment to the cause. And as Elba gradually transforms into the legendary leader, the film gradually transforms into a moving and inspiring story of dedication and persistence.
While the movie may focus on Nelson Mandela’s story, though, Naomie Harris steals the show in her role as Mandela’s second wife, Winnie. Throughout Mandela’s imprisonment, Winnie perseveres, raising two daughters while continuing her husband’s work on the outside. While he is the picture of stability and strength, she is the picture of passion and determination—and her emotional performance often overshadows Elba’s solid, understated one.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom isn’t a flawless biopic. It simply spreads itself out a little too thin to be truly powerful. But it’s a fascinating film nonetheless—and an intriguing look at the life of a legend.
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