Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Information

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a biographical film directed by Justin Chadwick from a script written by William Nicholson. The film is based on the 1994 book Long Walk to Freedom by anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President Nelson Mandela. The film premiered on Saturday September 7, 2013 at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, and is scheduled to be released on November 29, 2013. It stars Idris Elba and Naomie Harris.

Synopsis

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is based on South African President Nelson Mandela's autobiography of the same name, which chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming President and working to rebuild the country"?s once segregated society. Idris Elba (Prometheus) stars as Nelson Mandela, Naomie Harris (Skyfall) stars as Winnie Mandela, with Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl) directing.

Cast

• Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela
• Naomie Harris as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
• Tony Kgoroge as Walter Sisulu
• Terry Pheto as Evelyn

Production

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is a South African film based on Long Walk to Freedom, the 1994 autobiography by Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician. Producer Anant Singh started working on the project after interviewing Mandela while he was still imprisoned two decades ago. Following the publication of Mandela"?s autobiography, Singh was granted the rights to the film adaptation, which was completed 16 years later by screenwriter William Nicholson. The two-hour-and-thirteen-minute film is directed by Justin Chadwick.

Music

It was revealed on 17 October 2013, U2 had written a song specifically for the film entitled "Ordinary Love". Subscribers of the band's official website were able to hear a short snippet first.

Release

The film held its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013. It premiered in South Africa on November 3, 2013 and was shown at the White House on November 7, 2013. Mandela has yet to see it due to being in critical but stable condition in his Johannesburg home. It is due to be released in South Africa on November 28 and premiere in New York and Los Angeles one day later.

Critical reception

The film has received mostly positive early reviews. Rotten Tomatoes reported that 71% of critics gave the film positive reviews, based on 7 reviews. Scott Foundas of Variety said the film "never opts for a light touch when a sledgehammer will do", but also praises Elba for "a towering performance, a Mandela for the ages".