Synopsis
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.
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Cast
- Idris ElbaNelson Mandela
- Naomie HarrisWinnie Madikizela
- Tony KgorogeWalter Sisulu
- Riaad MoosaAhmed Kathrada
- Fana MokoenaGovan Mbeki
- Robert HobbsChief Warder
- Jamie BartlettJames Gregory
- Lindiwe MatshikizaZindzi Mandela
- Terry PhetoEvelyn Mase
- Deon LotzKobie Coetzee
Recommendations
- 80
The Telegraph
With the magnificent Elba to anchor it, the film gradually achieves a sort of grandeur, in the manner of the hero it depicts. - 70
Los Angeles Times
It is the incendiary work of British actors Idris Elba and Naomie Harris as the couple in question that elevates our involvement in this authorized film version of Nelson Mandela's autobiography. - 67
Entertainment Weekly
All of the highlights are dutifully hit, as in a made-for-TV movie (albeit a lavish, gorgeously photographed one). Unfortunately, they're hit with a sledgehammer. - 63
New York Post
Provides a different take on its subject than many of us are accustomed to: Nelson Mandela is no Martin Luther King Jr., and he was far more radical than even Malcolm X. If you’re under the impression that his ideas got him imprisoned for 25 years, think again: It was his bombs. - 63
Rolling Stone
A long slog of a movie that insists on hitting the high spots like a Wiki page, which leaves little room to investigate the political and personal changes that altered Mandela's thoughts about violence and its uses. - 60
Time Out
Bold performance or not, you can see history weighing heavily on Elba’s shoulders (in later scenes as an older man, you can see the makeup, too). - 50
Variety
For all its failings, there is one thing about “Long Walk to Freedom” that can’t be denied: Idris Elba gives a towering performance, a Mandela for the ages. - 50
Village Voice
"Mandela" is not without the capacity to move.
