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A United Kingdom

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A scene in A United Kingdom. (Image.Net)
A scene in A United Kingdom. (Image.Net)

What it's about:

The inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the king of Bechuanaland (Modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948, in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, apartheid and empire. Their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their in their path, and, in so doing they inspired the world and helped transform their nation.

What we thought:

There has never been a better time for a true life interracial love story than now. 

With race relations at the tipping point all across the world the clichéd but very true message that love conquers all is something we all need to hear right now. 
Before seeing the film I knew nothing about the story of Seretse and Ruth Khama and after watching it I was inspired by these heroes. 

All the pair wanted to do was love each other and be together and as a result of their love they changed the destiny of an entire nation. 

Living a true love story at a time when their families, society, the British and South African governments were against them took remarkable courage and valour.
What makes this movie an absolute joy to watch is the remarkable cast. 

David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike have amazing chemistry together and they brought this biopic to life – you feel their passion, their pain, their anger and rejoice with them in their happy ending. 

Terry Pheto's role deserves a mention, her role as Naledi (Seretse's sister) earned her a British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) nomination for supporting actress.

In her most powerful scene in the film she is the voice of the Botswana people when she stands up for her sister-in-law and asserts her right as a person. I do wish she had more screen time and more lines. 

The movie is not without its faults, the strength of this movie lies solely on the shoulders of its stars.

The script at times was lacking and skins at parts of the story.  

For example it showed too little of the Botswana culture and people and how they had come to accepting Ruth.

Despite these flaws the movie has a lot of heart which is its saving grace. 

If you love historical romances with an underlying political theme then you should definitely watch this movie. 


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