Andrew Mudge’s latest offering combines classic realism with colourful characters, breathtaking vistas and a light dusting of the supernatural
Lesotho-born Atang Mokoenya (Zenzo Ngqobe, addictively watchable) has been scraping by on the mean streets of Johannesburg but when his father dies and he decides to honour the old man’s wishes to be buried back home, Atang must come to terms with his past. In many ways, writer-director Andrew Mudge’s affecting mini epic is reminiscent of many classic realist 19th-century novels, in a good way, complete with moral reformations, social issues of the day addressed (Atang’s love interest has a sister dying from Aids), colourful supporting characters and a light dusting of the supernatural. At the same time, it’s also pleasingly cinematic with lots of breathtaking vistas, atmospheric music and a steady dramatic pulse, all buttressed by some rather fine acting from the ensemble. Some may...
Lesotho-born Atang Mokoenya (Zenzo Ngqobe, addictively watchable) has been scraping by on the mean streets of Johannesburg but when his father dies and he decides to honour the old man’s wishes to be buried back home, Atang must come to terms with his past. In many ways, writer-director Andrew Mudge’s affecting mini epic is reminiscent of many classic realist 19th-century novels, in a good way, complete with moral reformations, social issues of the day addressed (Atang’s love interest has a sister dying from Aids), colourful supporting characters and a light dusting of the supernatural. At the same time, it’s also pleasingly cinematic with lots of breathtaking vistas, atmospheric music and a steady dramatic pulse, all buttressed by some rather fine acting from the ensemble. Some may...
- 8/20/2015
- by Leslie Felperin
- The Guardian - Film News
A diligent biopic of Nelson Mandela is lifted by a beautifully supple performance from Idris Elba
Nelson Mandela died quietly at his home in Johannesburg on the evening of 5 December, just as the dignitaries were gathering for the royal premiere of Justin Chadwick's epic account of his extraordinary life. In the darkness of the London cinema, the audience sat, oblivious, and watched a man being slowly, deliberately stitched into history; his rough edges planed down, his achievements set in stone. By the time the credits had rolled and the news was announced, the monument to Mandela had already been built.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a conservative film about a radical man, a movie so bowed down by the weight of responsibility that it occasionally trudges when you wish it would dance. At various stages of his turbulent life, Mandela inspired fear and loathing, adoration and awe. But Long Walk to Freedom,...
Nelson Mandela died quietly at his home in Johannesburg on the evening of 5 December, just as the dignitaries were gathering for the royal premiere of Justin Chadwick's epic account of his extraordinary life. In the darkness of the London cinema, the audience sat, oblivious, and watched a man being slowly, deliberately stitched into history; his rough edges planed down, his achievements set in stone. By the time the credits had rolled and the news was announced, the monument to Mandela had already been built.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a conservative film about a radical man, a movie so bowed down by the weight of responsibility that it occasionally trudges when you wish it would dance. At various stages of his turbulent life, Mandela inspired fear and loathing, adoration and awe. But Long Walk to Freedom,...
- 1/5/2014
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
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