Mandela (1987)
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33% want to see it
(716 ratings)
Described as a "biographical drama," the made-for-TV Mandela is the story of South African human-rights advocate Nelson Mandela, who at the time this film was made was in the 25th year of a prison sentence. Covering the years 1948 to 1987, the film traces Mandela's (Danny Glover)… More Described as a "biographical drama," the made-for-TV Mandela is the story of South African human-rights advocate Nelson Mandela, who at the time this film was made was in the 25th year of a prison sentence. Covering the years 1948 to 1987, the film traces Mandela's (Danny Glover) matriculation from young lawyer to fervent anti-Apartheid political activist. At first a proponent of nonviolence, Mandela is radicalized after the Sharpeville massacre of 1960. Thrown in jail by the white-dominated government in 1962, Mandela passes the cudgel to his wife Winnie (Alfre Woodard), who perseveres despite constant persecution from the powers-that-be. Understandably concentrating on Mandela's private life, the film is somewhat wanting in terms of personal glimpses, but this is a forgivable creative lapse. Likewise excusable is the partisan nature of Ronald Harwood's teleplay. Filmed on location in Zimbabwe, Mandela originally ran 139 minutes when it first aired September 20, 1977 over the HBO Cable service; it was subsequently shortened to 135 minutes when shown on network television. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Philip Saville
- Genres
- Drama
Unrated,
Critic Reviews
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An inspiring film biography of the imprisoned South African leader who opposed the ruling regime's policy of apartheid
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Warren Clarke
as Swanepoel
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Alan Corduner
as Benny
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Danny Glover
as Nelson Mandela
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Julian Glover
as Senior Police Officer
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John Mathews
as Lawyer Joffe
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John Matshikiza
as Walter Sisulu
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Simon Shumba
as Postman
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Andrew Whaley
as Pollsmoor Warder
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Alfre Woodard
as Winnie Mandela
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Peter Cartwright
as Court Judge
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John Indi
as Oliver Tambo
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Dudley Dickin
as Minister
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Dominic Kanaventi
as Organiser Man
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Saul Reichlin
as Lawyer Bram Fischer
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Xoliswa Sithole
as Zindzi
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Juanita Waterman
as Adelaide Tambo
