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Herald rating: * * *
This is a sombre, moving, but essentially sluggish film from acclaimed Danish director Bille August about the relationship between Nelson Mandela (24's Dennis Haysbert) and his warden James Gregory (Joseph Fiennes) during Mandela's 27 years of imprisonment.
The film focuses on Gregory's personal story, focusing on the influence Mandela had on him over the years of his incarceration that instigated a change in his conditioned belief in apartheid.
James Gregory grew up on a farm in Transkei where he learnt to speak Xhosa at a young age. Because of this he finds himself, in 1968, being promoted to run the Robben Island Prison Censorship Office. With his ambitious wife Gloria (Diane Kruger) by his side and a desire to move up the ranks, Gregory is initially more than happy following orders to spy on Mandela and his African National Congress Party "terrorist" friends.
The film follows the relationship (which seems to be built more on mutual respect than friendship) between these two men until Mandela's release in 1990, the effect it has on Gregory's family, and how Gregory overcomes his prejudice and embraces the idea of a free South Africa.
Based on Gregory's memoirs, this tells his story in a dignified manner. It's beautifully shot in many of the locations where the original events took place. But there is a coldness to this film that prevents an emotional connection to the characters and its length leaves you feeling more flat than inspired.
Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Dennis Haysbert, Diane Kruger
Director: Bille August Running
Time: 118 minutes
Rating: M Contains offensive language
Screening: Rialto Cinema
Verdict: Fascinating story about Nelson Mandela's prison years is too drawn-out to engage
