曼德拉传记片《漫长自由路》

    This is a film about an important chapter* in the world’s history — the struggle against apartheid* in South Africa — through the story of a hero of our times.

    Directed by Justin Chadwick, it is based on Mandela’s autobiography.

    Mandela’s life story is told from his beginnings in a village to his election as president in 1994 at age 75. So, the film can feel too much like a traditional biopic*, with little time to delve into* any one thing.

    Idris Elba’s performance as Mandela is great, presenting both the man’s heroic aspects and his faults: The younger Mandela was rather a playboy. He was not nice toward his first wife.

    Most of all, Elba shows us the humanity*, wisdom, strength and patience* that gave this one man the power of changing his country’s history.

    Winnie Mandela, second wife of Mandela, is also well played by Naomie Harris. Winnie changed from a lovely young lady into a hardened, increasingly bold* activist, finally at odds* with her husband.

    We get to know Mandela as a young lawyer, unwilling to attend an African National Congress meeting. As he becomes more involved* in the struggle, his worried mother does not support him. His first marriage fails.

    Mandela marries Winnie in a traditional tribal* dress. This dreamlike moment gives way to scenes of the Sharpeville massacre* in 1960, when police killed 69 people. Soon, activist Mandela is on the run.

    His famous trial* is well presented. As the world knows, Mandela and his comrades were sentenced to life in prison, and his next 27 years were spent there, 18 of them at the Robben Island.

    “You will never touch a woman or a child again,” a prison official tells Mandela. “You will die here.” Everyone watching the film will know this isn’t true. But you will still be excited by the 1990 release* scene, and Mandela’s election as president in 1994.(SD-Agencies)