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| Poster via imdb.com |
Based on a true story, A United Kingdom is about the former president of Botswana Sir Setetse Khama and his wife Ruth Williams Khama. In 1948, Seretse Khama, the Prince of Bechuenaland (now Botswana) falls in love with Ruth Williams. Their relationship is not accepted by their families in England and Bechuenaland. Ruth agrees to Marry Seretse to the dismay of her father who refused to speak to her. She goes to Bechuenaland with Seretse and isn't so welcomed there either. During this period of Apartheid, Interracial marriage had been banned so Seretse was exiled for five years and then for life. An enquiry was launched by the British Parliament to assert Khama's fitness to rule Bechuenaland. He was eventually allowed to go back and he returned with his wife and daughter in 1956.
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| Image via imdb.com |
Though not seen in the movie, Khama went on to become the first democratically elected president of Botswana in 1966 after the country gained independence from the United Kingdom. Directed by Amma Asante (Belle), A United Kingdom was a remarkable love story which I'd never heard about until the movie. So many years were squeezed into one short film which was gladly not so long, though it felt longer. Sadly racism is still a major issue in the society. David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike with the supporting actors deliver incredible performances which cannot be forgotten easily.
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| Image via bbc.co.uk |
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| Image via bbc.co.uk |
The filming was beautiful letting us see beautiful Botswana with its mountains and exotic animals. I'm definitely adding it to my list of dream destinations. David Oyelowo takes on his roles with so much class, I can't forget his role as Martin Luther King in Selma which gained him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor. It's so sad to see how race was a part of everything and a king was simply not allowed to rule his people because he chose to be with someone outside his race. Oyelowo and Pike genuinely moved me with their emotions especially when they were finally reunited after months apart from each other, their chemistry was undeniable. Asante delivered a movie which had a saccharine tone but was still amazing to watch.
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| Ruth and Seretse Khama (Image via okayplayer.com) |
Rating: 9/10
Genre Biography, Drama, Romance
Director Amma Asante
Produced by Brunson Green, Charlie Mason, Rick McCallum, Cameron McCracken, Justin Moore-Lewy, David Oyelowo
Screenplay by Guy Hibbert
Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Tom Felton, Terry Pheto, Jack Davenport, Abena Ayivor, Vusi Kunene
Running Time 1hr 51mins
Release Dates 25 November, 2016 (UK), 10 February 2017 (United States)
View the trailer below;
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