Lumumba (2000)
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81% of critics liked it
(57 reviews) -
81% of users liked it
(1,059 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
- 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
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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.
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Glenn Lovell, San Jose Mercury News
Ebouaney is easily the best thing about this import.
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Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle
The vividness of the figures and situations whets the appetite.
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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.
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Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Captures the volatility and chaos of a nation struggling to find its identity and purpose.
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Cast
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Eriq Ebouaneyas Patrice Lumumba -
Alex Descasas Joseph Mobutu -
Moussa Theophile Sowieas Marice Mpolo
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Maka Kottoas Joseph Kasa Vubu
