Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

[asamaic]

No, actually I can't understand. Why would his death invalidate any future showings of this film? It's a film about his life, people will want to see it.

Because the films which are most talked about before release have the fewest previews. I admit, I haven't seen this one yet, but there hasn't exactly been a shortage of codes.

People are going to want to see this film - SFF don't need to try to drum up publicity.

[Tiz]

Just picked up tickets for the screening tomorrow (Tues 10) at Cineworld Edinburgh - thanks to ejsmall.

It has an unusual start time of 6pm - any idea if this is an error?

****************

Received an email from ShowFilmFirst this morning (Tues 10) confirming the following:
"We would like to remind you that the screening starts at 6pm sharp, there are no trailers before the film. No late admittance."

[ladams888]

Saw this yesterday in Kingston. It was a warts and all story which strove to get us to know the man and what made him tick. I, like many people, only knew half the story beforehand and this film filled in many gaps in my knowledge. I, for one, knew nothing of the secret meetings that were held to try and determine South Africa’s fate. Idris Elba was brilliant as Mandela, and even though he looked nothing like him, he had Mandela’s presence and was therefore completely believable. Naomie Harris likewise was excellent as Winnie and although I don’t condone her actions, we saw how frustrated she became because of Mandela’s and her own treatment by the authorities. An excellent Oscar-worthy film. I also loved the music. 10/10

I was going to write a glowing report of Kingston Odeon and how it has improved when dealing with these screenings (up until now, it has always been a shambles with no-one knowing what to do with these tickets). Yesterday it all went well, until they tried to start the film, that is, which after two false starts eventually started 40 minutes late – the excuse being that this was the first time they have shown the film(!). One day they might get it all right.

[RQOG3III]

Saw this yesterday; great story, well told. Particularly enjoyed learning about the strength and struggles of Winnie Mandela. Go and see if you get the chance! 8/10

[LondonCityNights]

I thought it was good - not great. I thought Idris Elba and Naomie Harris were fantastic, and pretty much the main reason to see the film. Everything else was a bit average, with some very dull directing and a godawful score - also I it simplified a lot of things to make them palatable to a mainstream audience. Still, definitely worth seeing, if only for the performances.

Here's my full review:

http://www.londoncitynights.com/2013/12 ... -2013.html

★★★

[mupton]

Saw this yesterday in Kingston. It was a warts and all story which strove to get us to know the man and what made him tick. I, like many people, only knew half the story beforehand and this film filled in many gaps in my knowledge. I, for one, knew nothing of the secret meetings that were held to try and determine South Africa’s fate. Idris Elba was brilliant as Mandela, and even though he looked nothing like him, he had Mandela’s presence and was therefore completely believable. Naomie Harris likewise was excellent as Winnie and although I don’t condone her actions, we saw how frustrated she became because of Mandela’s and her own treatment by the authorities. An excellent Oscar-worthy film. I also loved the music. 10/10

I was going to write a glowing report of Kingston Odeon and how it has improved when dealing with these screenings (up until now, it has always been a shambles with no-one knowing what to do with these tickets). Yesterday it all went well, until they tried to start the film, that is, which after two false starts eventually started 40 minutes late – the excuse being that this was the first time they have shown the film(!). One day they might get it all right.

when you say, loved the music, did that include the U2 track at the end? I thought it lowered the tone of the film. I suspect there are many music artists resent Bono jumping on the bandwagon, when they were campaigning for Mandela and his cause for years before he ever did. It was also a poor track.

[LondonCityNights]

Saw this yesterday in Kingston. It was a warts and all story which strove to get us to know the man and what made him tick. I, like many people, only knew half the story beforehand and this film filled in many gaps in my knowledge. I, for one, knew nothing of the secret meetings that were held to try and determine South Africa’s fate. Idris Elba was brilliant as Mandela, and even though he looked nothing like him, he had Mandela’s presence and was therefore completely believable. Naomie Harris likewise was excellent as Winnie and although I don’t condone her actions, we saw how frustrated she became because of Mandela’s and her own treatment by the authorities. An excellent Oscar-worthy film. I also loved the music. 10/10

I was going to write a glowing report of Kingston Odeon and how it has improved when dealing with these screenings (up until now, it has always been a shambles with no-one knowing what to do with these tickets). Yesterday it all went well, until they tried to start the film, that is, which after two false starts eventually started 40 minutes late – the excuse being that this was the first time they have shown the film(!). One day they might get it all right.

when you say, loved the music, did that include the U2 track at the end? I thought it lowered the tone of the film. I suspect there are many music artists resent Bono jumping on the bandwagon, when they were campaigning for Mandela and his cause for years before he ever did. It was also a poor track.

I think the film industry is legally obligated to allow Bono at least one song in any film remotely related to Africa.

[Yinster]

Saw this in an almost full Cineworld Glasgow. There were spaces dotted about. Sat with OH, Debs1 and her OH.

Did anyone else have children watching this? Think in other screening we had about 3 or 4 children under 10. Not that I am anti-children but the story is pretty heavy and a couple of the scenes are border lined PG. Like the treatment of Winnie in prison. I know this is history and even more relevant. But i guess that is up to a parent to decide.

Whilst I agree you can't put 50 years of one man's life in 2 and half hours it did dragged in parts whilst other parts flew past. Elba and Harris were good in their parts and for me it helped me understand their relationships and ultimately break up. However Elba as he aged still seems to walked and moved like a pretty healthy 30 something male instead of the aged frail Mandela. Also it was good they included even though it was definitely smaller parts of the other ANC members.

7/10

[raj101]

I think the film industry is legally obligated to allow Bono at least one song in any film remotely related to Africa.

its a freakin B side lol!

[ladams888]

when you say, loved the music, did that include the U2 track at the end? I thought it lowered the tone of the film. I suspect there are many music artists resent Bono jumping on the bandwagon, when they were campaigning for Mandela and his cause for years before he ever did. It was also a poor track.

Nope, I was referring to the African music!