This is probably the best-looking trailer for the film I’ve seen thus far (it’s the 3rd one we’ve posted). Although, as I watched it, I kept thinking, this looks like it could be a pretty damn good movie – that is, if it wasn’t about Nelson Mandela!
As I’ve already shared in previous posts, I’m just having a difficult time seeing Nelson Mandela in Idris Elba, or is it Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela. I watch the footage, and, in this case anyway, I’m intrigued by what I see. BUT, there’s this distraction in the fact that this is supposed to be a film about Nelson Mandela and South Africa under apartheid; and then it hits me – oh it IS a movie about Nelson Mandela, and South Africa, and not an original story about some fictional fellow, in some fictional country, who rose to prominence as he dared to challenge the status quo, and thus suffered immeasurable consequences for his actions, only to eventually triumph in spirit in the end.
Obviously, despite any reservations I have, I’m still looking forward to seeing the movie when it’s out. I like the actors involved, so that’s a good start!
Here’s the latest release trailer from The Weinstein Company for Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, which stars Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela and Naomie Harris as Winnie Mandela, in a film directed by Justin Chadwick, which highlights Mandela’s early life, education and 27 years in prison.
It’s filled with more drama and action, as well as has an immediacy that the first American trailer – which seems to emphasize the relationship between Mandela and Winnie as the film’s focal point – didn’t quite project.
Plus we get to see a little more footage than previously.
South African stars Tony Kgoroge, Riaad Moosa, Zolani Mkiva, Jamie Bartlett, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Deon Lotz and Terry Pheto, round out the cast.
The Weinstein Company will open the film in the USA on November 29 – likely as one of its Oscar contenders. Reactions and reviews after its TIFF premiere last month were mostly strong.
Watch:
