Mandela

Get a two hour snap shot of the life of Nelson Mandela. Much of it is an interview with him, but there are interviews with other important people in his life as well as actual footage of some of the protests before apartheid came crashing down.

I loved the documentary because it was about an iconic figure whom I admire and about a struggle which was so close to the struggle of African Americans. This film is a wonderful introduction for anyone to Nelson Mandela and South African Apartheid.

This is one of the better historical documentaries that I have seen in awhile covering any subject. Producing a documentary on Nelson Mandela is a rather formidable undertaking, and I believe that the filmmakers prove to be up to the task. The film portrays Mandela not as a saint, but as a human being -- yes sometimes egotistical, but steadfast throughout his struggle. One of the most memorable parts of the film (edited marvelously) for me was the section describing the Sharpeville massacre (including actual footage) and how this event was key in turning Mandela from non-violence to armed struggle. Also powerful is the coverage of Mandela's first trial on treason. Not only is footage woven in with interviews of key colleagues of Mandela, but one can see from the interview subjects that the fight against apartheid in South Africa was not merely a black versus white struggle. The struggle, in fact, encompassed a number of different ethnicities -- even Afrikkaners.

There is a fair share of South African music throughout the film, and I believe that it helps to punctuate the emotions of the time and bring the viewer closer to the subjects of the documentary.

If there is any criticism I have of the film, it is that I would have liked to see more on Mandela's interaction (or sometimes, lack of) with Bishop Desmond Tutu. Tutu stood for non-violence throughout, and may have been as important as Mandela and the ANC in forcing the issue of apartheid.

Overall, this film is far better than most historical documentaries (and I have seen my fair share of bad ones!).

Mandela is documentary style film for those older than 21 years old. Young teens and children may not understand all that goes on in the film or what the film is all about. A good deal of Apartheid went on when I was a teen or going to college and I did not follow world events at the time. It is good to have Mandela himself describes the the action and his own thoughts rather than have them portrayed by others. Mandela is a compelling documentary. It is for a night of learning, of listening to Mandela's side of the story. Just like I did not understand the civil rights movement of the 1960s (because 1. I was a little girl 2. I had basically no interaction with blacks and 3. I was totally unconcerned), I do not understand how people can treat another person the way blacks were treated here and in South Africa. However, it is a good historical film and should be seen by those who enjoy historical films. No popcorn, no card playing, just attentive learning. I give it five thumbs up.

This is an interesting but glossy bio, with great music and some peculiar details. Mandela himself, describing the teenage group circumcision rites, made my hair stand on end. It also describes how his marriages were splintered by his political pursuits. But overall it's a little too feel-good to be extremely valuable. If you don't know his story, watch this to see how a strong ego tempered with gentility can save a stressed-out country.