Lumumba (2000)

81% of critics liked it
(57 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(1,075 ratings)

Patrice Lumumba was a passionate advocate for freedom in colonial Africa, and when the Belgian Congo was granted independent (and was later renamed Zaire), Lumumba was the new nation's first prime minister. However, Lumumba's dream of freedom and dignity for the people of the Congo made him a… More Patrice Lumumba was a passionate advocate for freedom in colonial Africa, and when the Belgian Congo was granted independent (and was later renamed Zaire), Lumumba was the new nation's first prime minister. However, Lumumba's dream of freedom and dignity for the people of the Congo made him a controversial and dangerous figure, and this biographical drama explores his short, tumultuous life. We first encounter Lumumba (Eriq Ebouaney) in the late 1950's, when his National Congo Movement is gaining widespread public support, despite opposition from the nation's political leaders. Hoping to avoid a violent overthrow, the Belgian government begins negotiations with the NCM to turn rule of the Congo over to the citizens, and Lumumba and his political party are swept into power during the nation's first independent election. However, Lumumba's desire to bring a peaceful and orderly transfer of power soon earns him enemies of all political stripes. Militant advocates for freedom demand that white Belgian officers of the nation's military be replaced with African soldiers at once, while Belgian colonists are met with violence, sparking a revolt by the white settlers that leads to a bloody civil war. Lumumba was directed and co-written by Raoul Peck, who previously directed the acclaimed documentary Lumumba: Death of a Prophet. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Raoul Peck
Written By: Raoul Peck, Pascal Bonitzer
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jun 27, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Oct 22, 2002
Studio: Zeitgeist

Critic Reviews

John Monaghan, Detroit Free Press
At the heart of the movie is Ebouaney's performance as Lumumba, every bit as intense as Denzel Washington's as Malcolm X.
Glenn Lovell, San Jose Mercury News
Ebouaney is easily the best thing about this import.
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
The vividness of the figures and situations whets the appetite.
Gary Dowell, Dallas Morning News
Ebouaney is given the daunting task of carrying a heavy film, and rises to the challenge with Denzel Washington-esque conviction.
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Captures the volatility and chaos of a nation struggling to find its identity and purpose.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
A powerfully rich and incredibly sorrowful portrait.
Kelly Vance, East Bay Express
It's a prime example of how a historical drama can be politically correct but thoroughly embalmed. The memory of Patrice Lumumba deserves better.
Donald J. Levit, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
Drawn from life or not, film people need some flaw, some depth, a facial betrayal of emotional struggle. If not, they are the stuff of action adventure, rooted for but at once forgotten.
Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
One day, when Ebouaney is a huge star, people will look back at this film and say 'That's what did it.'
Ella Taylor, L.A. Weekly
Peck, who assayed Lumumba's life in a 1991 documentary, now paces the doomed man's story like the genuine thriller it is.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
The story of the Congo and its struggle for independence from Belgium is a bloody and torrid one, but Lumumba doesn't really imbue the tale with much spirit.

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Cast

Eriq Ebouaney
as Patrice Lumumba
Alex Descas
as Joseph Mobutu
Moussa Theophile Sowie
as Marice Mpolo

Maka Kotto
as Joseph Kasa Vubu

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