An acceptable depiction of equally vexing and inspiring historical events. However, the conclusion of the film in the atmosphere of intended hope to inspire further unity, has been dulled (for me personally and not by any fault of its own) by the reality of pervasive and persistent prejudice in our current world.
TLDR: Nice film, good story but not much has changed for the better. Overt prejudice just became covert and is now overt again.
I found this film to be an endearing testament to the historical implications of this specific love story. It had well-done cinematography, and the main leads certainly muster great performances that I enjoyed. If I could make one consideration, I perceived this film to have been a more simplistic overview of the actual historical events, but after my own research, the alterations were simply the filmmakers condensing certain events, which I wholly approve. Again, this was a joyous film that I had a great time with, and if people are just interested in a great love story overpowering existing obstacles, this is a great one to watch.
This bio-drama is not for those seeking immediate action. The real people portrayed are interesting as well as their incredible story, but in order for the story to move along it had taken them weeks, months and years to finally solve what the problem was besides getting over the obvious bigotry of apartheid and the politics behind it, as well as the shortcomings of well known British politicians and the whole mindset of the changing of the modern colonial powers in the 20th century. Ms. Pike and Mr. Oyelowo manage to carry a sincere pathos despite the extraordinary times they lived in. The antagonists were more held up by the racial politics of the time, without going further into their stances, except for obvious pure ignorance and hubris.
Amma Asante, already a favourite of mine, directs this true story of a handsome prince and his true love. In the wrong hands this could easily be a syrupy, virtuous, snore-fest but in the hands of Asante you get a story with huge world-changing themes, and the decisions made by Ruth and Seretse really could be said to be world-changing, distilled through a personal story. She never loses sight of the real love story that started it all between two people of hugely different backgrounds who knew that they were meant to be together and never let anything stand in their way.
It helps any director to have great actors in their main roles and with David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike you have two performers at the top of their game. You know what you are going to get, cast them in roles that if fictional would have been written for them, and your already half-way there. The chemistry between Oyelowo and Pike is up there in front of you and makes the love story real and therefore the peril, the heartache, and the peril doubly so.
The story zips along at a pace that only lags slightly in the middle but certainly not enough to be distracting and the beautiful African scenes shot in the actual country of Botswana, that Bechuanaland eventually became, show that if ever there is a place that loves being filmed it is that continent. The contrast with the almost dystopian scenes of post-war Britain and you can almost taste the stuffy oppression of the establishment.
The rest of the cast is equally impressive as the leads and if I have any criticism then perhaps the disappointment of having two Sir Jasper Naughty-Bonces in the story in the able forms of Jack Davenport and Tom Felton felt too forced for me. It is a pet peeve of mine that film-makers do this citing that they need a focal point for the audience to dislike and hate, a baddy made flesh as it were. Perhaps I’m strange but I don’t. During the film it was obvious to me the British establishment was bad, intransigent and as superior as they two characters were. This is just a fault with me, all filmmakers do it and clearly with good reason.
There is no one involved in the British government who comes out looking good in this film and I’d love to say that it was exaggerated to the point of making a point by Amma Asante but if anything she eased back on it.
If this film only does one thing I hope it makes the viewer go and research the real story. It is fascinating and in some way gives you a sliver of hope for the human race.
This is another Amma Asante triumph and whilst it clearly has a serious point to say about racism, colonialism the inhumanity of governments and the establishment it is very much about the strength of true love and in that way this is what makes it a strong and memorable film.
More than a love story, this telling of the birth of The Republic of Botswana is a tale well told, well acted and beautifully framed in its period and it's land. Superb cast, and well paced story telling. I give this a 9 (superb) out of 10.
I am usually not particularry thrilled when I read "based on a true story" because, honestly, not everyone that makes it into a movie is worth telling. But this one sure is. This is so much more then just a love story.
Shout by Lee Brown Barrow Movie BuffVIP 3BlockedParent2017-10-21T15:10:05Z
It's no secret that the British government is made up of largely incompetent, opinionated buffoons, and their actions here further compound their ignorance. A sad piece of history, though (without going into spoilers) there is hope. A decent depiction of a true story, with some strong performances.