 |
| Idris Elba as Mandela |
Was it just the Movie Slut, or did others misunderstand the meaning of the raised fist? We learn in this classy biopic about the life of South African leader Nelson Mandela, that the original meaning was solidarity. Alone we are weak like a single finger. Together we're strong like a fist.
Based on a 700-page autobiography, the film has lots of ground to cover in its 2 hours and 19 minutes. And it breezes along, without stalling at any one chapter of this amazing life. That means, we don't dwell on his seventeen years in prison or the violence that erupted despite his dedication to peace.
The movie may take on a reverential tone. Is there another modern-day leader that deserves to be so revered?
Mandela, who died last year at the age of 95, risked his life to end the obscene apartheid regime in South Africa. He was imprisoned for demanding equal rights for his people. He accomplished his goal without a full-scale civil war. And he became the first Black president of his country.
Yeah. Veneration is in order.
If anything, this movie glosses over his pain, suffering and courage. No doubt that's how this dignified man would want it.
No comments:
Post a Comment