Radebe: I cried during the film

Johannesburg - Justice Minister Jeff Radebe cried more than once during some of the scenes of the film "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom", which premiered at The Zone in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on Sunday.

"It was a very emotional movie. It depicted not only the struggle by Nelson Mandela but also by the people of South Africa," Radebe said.

"I cried many times during the movie because it was so emotional."

Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor said she had mixed feelings after watching the film.

"I have mixed emotions about it. I hope its going to be successful [globally]. It was a good mix of entertainment and history," she said.

African National Congress deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa praised the film.

"I thought the movie was great. It depicted Nelson Mandela very well. And it was a good narrative of our history," he said.

Many of South Africa's well-known names were at the film's first premiere.

Actors, politicians and businessmen and women showed up in their 'Sunday best' to watch the film.

After the two-and-half hour film ended, people waited outside the main cinema to applaud the cast.

Naomie Harris, who plays Mandela's former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, walked out of the venue holding hands with Madikizela-Mandela herself.

Winnie's daughter and granddaughter, Ndileka, followed close behind them.

The film will be released in South Africa and the United States on 28 November.