DVD review: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (M)

Idris Alba as Nelson Mandela

It is difficult to be anything other than inspired by the life led by Nelson Mandela.

The South African freedom-fighter-turned-president endured a lifetime of hardship.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom tells his story in a dramatic and moving way.

We meet Mandela (Idris Elba) in his early years as a lawyer representing poor and powerless blacks in his community.

He wasn't a political figure but the African National Congress could see how charismatic he was and wanted him to be a leader in their organisation. Finally, the daily oppression he experienced saw him join the ANC ranks.

These were difficult times in South Africa and the infamous Sharpeville massacre only hardened the resolve of the ANC to make change happen.

When Mandela and his cohorts began blowing up government buildings his days were numbered.

Arrested and convicted, he was sentenced to life in prison on Robben Island.

This was a man who had every reason to harbour hatred and bitterness but that was not how he was made up.

We are given an incredible insight into his prison life and the heartbreaking lack of contact with his wife and family.

When the South African Government came under pressure to release Mandela, the man who emerged was a ready made statesman who wanted to rebuild his country.

This is a breathtaking story of one of the world's greatest leaders.

Watch the trailer here: