A United Kingdom is a lovely film and inspiring true story

Movie Title:  A United Kingdom

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG-13, 111 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Based on a true story, this lovely film illustrates how love and reason can change a crazy world.  Bula! 

If you’d like to know more about the real people in this story, you can read Colour Bar: A United Kingdom by Susan Williams.

Uplifting theme: 

• Duty, honor, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, patriotism
• Love
• “We should not be fighting for segregation.  We should be fighting for equality.” – Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo)
• “Africa can never be free until all those who live in her, white and black, recognize that race must have no bearing on equality and justice.” – Seretse Khama  
• “Opposition is one thing, Mr. Khama; the realities of government are quite another.” – Alistair Canning (Jack Davenport)
• “You have to be strong.  You have a voice.  Use it.” – Naledi (Terry Pheto)
• “No man is free who is not master of himself.” – Seretse
• “It is time!” - Seretse

Things I liked:

• I had never even heard of Bechuanland.  Have you?  In 1966, it achieved independence and is now known as the Republic of Botswana.  I'm always happy to learn new things in movies.
• I love seeing a proper marriage proposal when the man gets on one knee.  Well done, Seretse.  Nelson Mandela described the marriage between Seretse and Ruth as “a shining beacon of light and inspiration.”   Wouldn’t that be amazing to have someone describe your marriage and legacy like that?
• David Oyelowo is absolutely fantastic in this. How about an Oscar for him?  I also loved him in Selma.  Great movie. 
• Rosamund Pike is great in this also.  She was crazy good in Gone Girl too, crazy being the key word in that sentence. Her subtle expressions say so much.
• Director Amma Asante has a bright future.
• The scene where the women sing a song to Ruth was so touching.
• I thought it was funny when Ruth's parents said, “Mind yourself!” and “Come back a missionary!” when she left the house.

Things I didn’t like:

·       There are some very ugly racial slurs and prejudiced behavior.

·       I’ve never understood parents who refuse to see their children again if they do something they don’t like.

·    A lot of the Extras are terrible actors.  Then again, they're natives who aren't actors.

• It’s good to see Malfoy (Tom Felton) cast in another movie.  Unfortunately, he plays an equally cruel, weaselly snake in this film too.

   Interesting lines:

• “He scares me a bit…the way he makes me feel.” - Ruth
• “I know I will never achieve anything there if I leave my heart here.” – Seretse
• “We’ll take it moment by moment…together.” – Ruth
• “They’re trying to define us, based on their rules, their idea of the world how they see it.” – Seretse
• “Let’s not allow the ugliness of this world take away the joy from us.” – Seretse
• “Let him go.  We need him more than you.” – Naledi
• “We’ve misjudged this, haven’t we?”- Ruth
• “When a man tells a lie, he loses his dignity.” – Seretse

Funny lines:

• “Did I ever tell you I didn’t marry you just for your good looks?” – Seretse

“Liar.” – Ruth (as she pulls up her skirt to reveal her beautiful legs.)

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity.
• Some violence, bullying, and racism.
• Talk to your children about apartheid and segregation.
• There is some skin shown during a honeymoon moment.
• Some subtitles.
• Young children will be bored, but Tweens will be interested in the love story and historical telling.

@trinaboice