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A United Kingdom

A United Kingdom (2017)

February. 10,2017
|
6.9
|
PG-13
| Drama History

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 path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.

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Reviews

Freaktana
2017/02/10

A Major Disappointment

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Aiden Melton
2017/02/11

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

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Kaelan Mccaffrey
2017/02/12

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

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Ginger
2017/02/13

Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

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TxMike
2017/02/14

My wife and I enjoyed this movie much, we watched it at home on DVD from our public library.The events depicted here are all factual, starting in 1947 and continuing into the 1950s. David Oyelowo, who was so good in "Selma" as MLK, is Seretse Khama, on track to become King of his small African country. He is completing his education in England when he meets his eventual wife, Rosamund Pike as Ruth Williams, a clerk at Lloyd's of London. About a year later they married.Most of the movie deals with the outfall from that marriage. Back in the homeland Khama's people, initially opposed to this white woman to become their Queen, eventually accepted her. But the big problem was being a British Protectorate, the British government prevented this from going forward because they needed S. Africa who objected strongly and at the time was establishing apartheid. So Khama was exiled.The story does end well, not all of this covered in the movie, public pressure on the British helped, and in 1966 Khama became the 1st President of Botswana, serving in that role until his death in 1980 at the age of 59. Today his eldest son, Ian, is the 4th President of Botswana.Good story, good movie!

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rps-2
2017/02/15

A wonderful beautiful, dramatic, compelling and sensitive film. It is a romance, a political drama, and an historical documentary all in one. The acting is superb. The cinematography both in sunny, scenic Africa and foggy, wet London is masterful. There are a couple of minor discrepancies. For example the word "black" is repeated many times but in 1947, the usual term was "negro" or "coloured." A few other discrepancies turn up in the "goofs" section. But they don't really matter nor do they detract from what in all respects is a cinematic masterpiece. It goes on my top five list!

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gradyharp
2017/02/16

A film that recalls the days of British colonization at its peak director Amma Asante brings a welcome light to the book by Susan Williams (Colour Bar) as adapted by Guy Hibbert. The cast is superb, the scenery and mood are well captured by cinematographer Sam McCurdy, and the musical score by Patrick Doyle takes us back to the 40s is a most appropriate and additive manner.The year is 1947 and Prince Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) of Bechuanaland (now known as Botswana), in England studying law preparing for his ascendency to the throne as king, meets Ruth Williams Rosamond Pike), a clerk and in a fine romance they fall in love and plan to marry. While they suspect that his uncle (Vusi Kunene), the Regent, would disapprove, nothing prepares them for the diplomatic firestorm and domestic political tumult their defiant love would spark. Now facing a citizenry leery of a white Briton as their Queen, the international opposition is even more unyielding from the British holding their land as a protectorate and fearful of South Africa's racist backlash to this affront to their apartheid domination. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds King Khama and Ruth must struggle to maintain their love and help their people in a land that would become the Republic of Botswana. Ruth's parents (Nicholas Lyndhurst and Anastasia Hille) swear to disown Ruth while her sister (Laura Carmichael) supports the their love and plans. The evil British government officials (Jack Davenport, Jack Lowden, Anton Lesser, et al) ultimately fail in their intent to control Seretse and Ruth in a manner that few of us realized was such a difficult struggle for independence.This is a film that should be a 'must see' for all, especially now during the harsh racial struggles her and around the globe. Very highly recommended

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alb-26920
2017/02/17

This was an amazing story of what happened! They did a fantastic job filming this and showing the story. I loved how they showed the scenery and the beautiful land that this took place in as well as the unjust done to this family and their people. I loved seeing the people come together and welcome, protect and thank a woman whom they did not want originally. This is a beautiful story of how love overcomes injustice, racism and political manipulation.

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