http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAglZjX3HOk
As the world mourned the death of Nelson Mandela on December 5, I felt it was vital to see Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and learn more about his amazing life.
The film, directed by Justin Chadwick and based on Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom, begins by depicting the freedom fighter Mandela, played by Idris Elba as a child in a South African village. It then quickly fast forwards to his life as a lawyer in 1942 in Johannesburg. During this period, Mandela meets his first wife, Evelyn Mase, with whom he has one son. At this point, Mandela becomes involved in many adulterous relationships that eventually lead to the dissolution of his marriage. I was quite surprised to discover that a grand and respected man like Mandela had continuously betrayed his wife.
Nevertheless, soon after, Mandela meets his second wife, Winnie, played by the talented Naomie Harris. It touched me that she was as passionate as Mandela regarding the fight against apartheid in South Africa. She was even prepared to leave her two daughters alone in their home and stay in prison for long periods of time to make a difference in the world.
Additionally, the film opened my eyes to how accomplished and willing Mandela was to fight against apartheid. In one scene, the viewer witnesses a horrific massacre in which police officers open fire on unarmed civilians, killing sixty-nine innocent victims. When Mandela realizes that his peaceful efforts were futile, he resorts to more violent measures and decides to join the African National Congress.
However, Mandela and his comrades are soon arrested, marking 27 long years in prison. He is taken to Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town. He lives in appalling conditions and is treated brutally, but he never stops fighting. One particular instance that struck me was when Mandela fought for his right to wear pants (in this prison, all black prisoners were only allowed to wear shorts and not long pants). Many years later, he is granted that right. Yet, he had low moments in his prison life as well, particularly when he was banned from attending the funeral of his only son, who had died in an accident.
Despite these highs and lows, Mandela still works to inspire others and to make his dreams into realities. In one scene, he is assigned to work in a quarry and is visited by some young fighters who recognize him. They begin to talk with him and he instructs them to fight with wisdom and caution, stating how fighting alone is never productive; it is unity and working collaboratively that will bring real change.
When Mandela is finally released from prison, he is reunited with his wife, daughters and his whole family. Unfortunately,his marriage with Winnie is about to crumble as they cannot see eye to eye.
Long Walk to Freedom is a powerfully acted, must-see movie. It provides not only a detailed account of Mandela’s history but also life lessons that can be applied to any situation. The movie shows how Mandela sticks to his principles and beliefs when negotiating with the apartheid regime to not only gain freedom but respect and dignity for all South Africans; I can think of no better way to commemorate of the great Nelson Mandela than by viewing the film.
