Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto. Biopic. Written by William Nicholson. Directed by Justin Chadwick.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.

PREVIEW REVIEW: I can understand if moviegoers are getting a little played out when it comes to movies about how badly blacks have had it throughout history. This year alone, major releases such as 12 Years a Slave, 42, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, and now Mandela have been added to a long list that showcase the wrongs done to the black race. Indeed, it can be argued that there are other atrocities that should garner the same attention from Hollywood. Human trafficking, slavery, forced prostitution, genocide, and bigotry towards those of faith still exist on Earth. Right now, Christians are being persecuted and even murdered for their convictions in lands not so far away. Muslim women are stoned to death because they were raped. Children are bought and sold, some by family members, right here in our own cities. Yet, these are subjects major studios have avoided in preference of retelling of the injustices done to one particular race, over and over.

But I still think Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom is an important film to see. Whatever Mandela's true intent, whether out of spiritual growth or political expediency, there’s an undeniable détente in his speeches meant to bring people together. While Mandela’s second wife allowed anger (justified) to cause her to seek revenge, Nelson Mandela told his followers and his nation that forgiveness was needed to find consolidation and freedom.

There is a time for war and a time for peace. This should be a time of peace when races come together to seek justice and compassion for all. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,” Romans 12:20. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom reminds us of this biblical truth.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: The Weinstein Company